As we near the end of South Asian Heritage Month, today our shoutout of the day goes to Steve Forsyth, Interim Chief Nurse. Steve was nominated by Marimouttou ‘Coumar’ Coumarassamy, Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Associate Director of Operations.
When asked why he wanted to nominate Steve, Coumar said:
“I first met Steve since when joined our organisation as an Interim Chief Nurse. I have found Steve to be a curious and inquisitive person. He is always supportive when we reach out to him about our issues. He goes an extra mile for our patients and staff, sometimes he asks very difficult questions to get the best for our people. He is very hard working and at the same time he uses lot of humour in conversations and meetings. I have witnessed Steve using his lived experience to understand a patient’s journey and provide the needed leadership our colleagues require. I am glad I have had an opportunity to shoutout Steve.”
Steve shared with us some of his favourite things about his Indian heritage:
“I’d say my favourite things about my heritage would be the language, the family gatherings, weddings in particular and getting dressed up in traditional attire. Of course, my last meal would be saag and chapati’s are my fave food in the world! Also, tetrahedral treats (samosas)… how could I forget those?
“I am of dual heritage, my mother grew up in Jalandhar, a state of Punjab. I am fortunate that she spoke the beautiful Punjabi language around the house, which I can speak in parts. I also attended a Punjabi Sunday school when I was younger where I was taught to read and write in Punjabi at St Jude’s Primary School, Paget Road, Wolverhampton.
“My heritage gives me the chance to connect with our South Asian service users, helping them to feel supported and being culturally sensitive about the care we provide. My heritage also connects me to the colleagues I work with. We have a diverse number of colleagues working at the Trust, reflecting the population we serve. I am proud to work for a Trust that has such diverse leadership, particularly at an executive level.”
My heritage gives me the chance to connect with our South Asian service users, helping them to feel supported and being culturally sensitive about the care we provide.
Published: 16 August 2023
