The women and men who left the Caribbean to work in the NHS did so for various reasons, and the people who were interviewed for this book were no exception. Many were fulfilling childhood dreams to be nurses or doctors. In some cases, family members had worked in the community as nurses, health visitors or midwives. They often exerted a strong influence. Career and training opportunities were also better in Britain than in the Caribbean at that time. Some interviewees had friends and relatives who were already in the UK and so came over to join them. People in this book came to Britain through official recruitment schemes or made their own arrangements. Most had to pay their own expenses.

Three Jamaican immigrants,(left to right) John Hazel, a 21-year-old boxer, Harold Wilmot, 32, and John Richards, a 22-year-old carpenter, arriving at Tilbury on board the ex-troopship SS Empire Windrush, smartly dressed in zoot suits and trilby hats

© Photo by Douglas Miller/Getty Images

A Passion for nursing: Read More

Recruitment: Read More

Career and training: Read More

Making my own arrangements:
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Family connections: Read More

Joining relatives: Read More

Making the journey : Read More