A Bradford midwife whose family has dedicated three generations to caring for NHS patients is sharing her story as part of Black History Month celebrations.
Emma Fleary, Pastoral Support and Preceptor Midwife at the Women’s and Newborn Unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary, says her Caribbean and Yorkshire heritage has played a central role in shaping both her identity and her career.
Emma’s family story reflects the contribution that generations of people with Caribbean heritage have made to the NHS and wider health and care services.
Her grandmother, Dorothy Henry, arrived in the UK from the Caribbean in the 1950s as a single mother with Emma’s mum, Jacquelin, seeking new opportunities and a better future.
Emma’s Grandmother in 1972 (second from left back row) with patients and staff from the Home for the Elderly in Huddersfield where she worked as a nurse.
Despite facing discrimination and prejudice, Dorothy built a career caring for others, first working in a local care home before progressing into hospital roles. Twenty years later, Jacquelin joined the NHS as a trainee nurse and spent her entire career working at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.
Inspired by both her mother and grandmother, Emma followed in their footsteps, qualifying as a midwife and continuing a family tradition of NHS service that now spans more than 70 years.
Emma said:
“Heritage is so important. It’s my identity and my family’s identity. I was born in the UK, so I am English, but I am also very much Caribbean.
“My family has some very English traditions, but we also have very traditional Caribbean traditions too. Those traditions, our community connections and our values are things we continue to pass on to the next generation.”
Emma’s mother was born in Trinidad and moved to the UK as a toddler, while her father, Rawlin, came to Britain from Carriacou, a small island off Grenada, at the age of 16.
Emma’s mum on her wedding day
Growing up, Emma spent summers visiting family in Grenada and Carriacou, creating lifelong connections with her Caribbean roots, culture and community.
Reflecting on her grandmother’s journey, Emma said:
“A single black woman with a child coming to the UK in the 1950s is something I completely admire. I think she was absolutely amazing.
“She shared stories about some of the challenges she faced, but always did so with a smile. Looking back, I realise how difficult those experiences must have been and how much courage it took.”
Emma as a baby with her Grandmother on her Christening Day
Today, Emma is passionate about supporting the next generation of midwives and creating a workforce where people from all backgrounds feel represented, valued and able to thrive.
“Representation is key,” she said. “I’ve worked hard to be in the position that I am in, but I’m grateful to be here because I hope it encourages other black midwives and midwives from different ethnicities to join the workforce and become part of that change.”
For Emma, Black History Month is an opportunity both to celebrate and to learn.
“It’s a chance to recognise people who maybe didn’t receive the recognition they deserved for the work they did and the difference they made,” she said.
“Join in the celebrations. Try the food, listen to the music, hear the stories and let’s celebrate together.”
Emma with her mum on her graduation day as a nurse at Huddersfield University
Chief Executive, Professor Mel Pickup added:
“We are incredibly proud of Emma and all our colleagues whose backgrounds, experiences and cultures strengthen our organisation and the care we provide every day.
“Black History Month gives us an important opportunity to celebrate these contributions, recognise the achievements of those who came before us and continue learning from one another. It has been fantastic to see colleagues, patients and our communities engaging with the many events taking place across the city and Bradford Royal Infirmary, including health awareness talks, exhibitions celebrating Black innovation and the Windrush Stories exhibition.
“Together, these events help us reflect on the past, celebrate the present and ensure everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging in the NHS and beyond.”
Midwife Emma Fleary