Salford success at the Caribbean and African Health Network 2025 Black Healthcare Awards

The Black Healthcare Awards celebrate the achievements of Black individuals from African, Caribbean, and diaspora backgrounds who have demonstrated excellence in healthcare. The ceremony brought together over 500 healthcare professionals, leaders and advocates for a night of celebration at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.

With hundreds of nominations received from across the UK, the event shone a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of Black professionals driving change, breaking barriers and delivering outstanding care every day.

Named winner in the ‘Health Support Worker of the Year’ category, Oluchi Emma Okoroafor is currently studying a masters in Adult Nursing at the University of Salford.

The Health Support Worker of the Year award recognises an inspiring, innovative/creative and dedicated person committed to high standards, and going above and beyond their role to create better experiences for people using services.

On her win, Oluchi said: “Being recognised in such a competitive award is an incredible honour. I rose by choosing compassion over convenience, integrity over indifference, and purpose over praise. Every patient I’ve cared for reminded me that nursing is not just a profession — it’s a divine calling. Through long shifts, silent sacrifices, and unseen moments of care, I discovered that true excellence is not measured by titles, but by the lives touched along the way. With God as my strength and service as my mission, I’ve learned that true greatness is found in the quiet, consistent acts of care. Lastly, to every healthcare professional out there, let your care speak louder than your title, and your heartbeat louder than the applause.”

Chidinma Victory Oforji (Victory), Lecturer in Adult Nursing at the University of Salford, was also recognised at the awards. Nominated by her students, she was shortlisted and received a certificate of recognition for the ‘Nurse of the Year’ category for her outstanding dedication and exceptional contributions to Equity.

Both Oluchi and Victory (both pictured below) have been nominated for other national awards over the last year, including Oluchi being shortlisted on two categories: Mary Seacole Award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion and Student Nurse of the Year: Adult at the 2025 Student Nursing Times Awards and Victory being shortlisted for Diversity and Inclusion Champion at the Nursing Times Workforce Awards.

Also, in May and June this year, Oluchi was recognised and awarded for her Excellent Clinical Care Delivery by the Practice Educator Facilitator Team at Bolton NHS Trust which is her home/training Trust for clinical practice.

Karen Heggs, Director of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Salford said: “Huge congratulations to Victory and Oluchi! These nominations and awards are testament to the excellent work they have both delivered, and we are so proud of their incredible achievements.”

Picture caption: Oluchi and Victory at the Black Healthcare Awards 2025