Historically, black nurses have made significant contributions to health care in the UK, although their stories are often underrepresented in mainstream narratives.   Some notable black nurses in the UK include: 

1. Mary Seacole (1805-1881): Mary Seacole was a pioneering nurse of Jamaican and Scottish decent who gained recognition for her work during the Crimean war.  Despite facing racial discrimination, she traveled to the war zone and set up the 'British Hotel' near the front lines, where she provides medical care to wounded soldiers. Seacole's contributions to nursing and healthcare were overlooked for many years but have been widely celebrated.

2. Dame Elizabeth Anionwu (b.1947) 

Dame Elizabeth Anionwu is a British nurse, professor, and healthcare leader of Nigerian and Irish descent. She is known for her groundbreaking work in sickle cell disease research and advocacy, as well as her efforts to promote racial equality in healthcare.  Anionwu was the first sickle cell and thalassemia nurse specialist in the UK and has received numerous awards for her contributions to nursing and diversity.

3. Dame Donna Kinnair (b. 1960)

Dame Donna Kinnair is a British nurse of Jamaican descent who has held various leadership roles in nursing and healthcare.  She is the Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, the largest professional union of nuring in the UK.  Kinnair is a vocal advocate for nursing staff, diversity, and patient-centred care.

4. Saint Josephine Bakhita (1869-1947)

Although not born in the UK, Saint (Sister) Josephine Bakhita, originally from the Sudan, spent her later years in Italy and became a nun.  She is remembered for her compassionate care of the sick and vulnerable, particularly as a nurse and a caretaker in Italy.  Bakhita was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2000.