Elysium Healthcare’s Regional Hospital Director Hilton Vera has won the Royal College of Nursing South East Region’s Black History Month ‘Making a Difference Award’ 2022.
The awards form a key part of the region’s annual celebration of Black History Month in October. This year the South East region of the RCN has been celebrating international nursing staff and 60,000 members from across the region were invited to nominate colleagues who had made a real difference in the delivery of healthcare.
Cess Wigley, the RCN’s Black History Month Lead Coordinator in the region, said: “We are delighted to present this award to Hilton in recognition of his exceptional achievements.
“Hilton is described as a mentor and role model, and a perfect example of the saying ‘we rise by lifting others’. His coaching and mentorship for those new to his organisation is exceptional – ensuring they have training to progress their careers and providing all the support needed to settle successfully in the UK, including finding suitable accommodation and integrating with the ward environment and team.
“He was also praised particularly for his empathy and understanding for how difficult it is for overseas nurses to leave their family and friends back home, frequently asking after them, and if staff have been hearing from them.”
On receiving his award, Hilton said: “I’m very honoured and humbled to have been nominated for this award. Our internationally educated nurse colleagues are a great resource for our health service and should be given every support to settle and adapt in a new country and environment.”
Hilton is the Hospital Director at Bromley Road, a complex care rehabilitation service for men and women with a mental illness and a history of substance misuse and/or trauma.
