Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu will explore how, despite traumatic experiences in her childhood during the 1950s, she managed to overcome them and achieve success in her adult life. She will reflect on both positive and negative aspects of living in a Children’s Home until the age of 9, followed by being subject to physical abuse at the hands of her stepfather due to her being mixed-race.

The reason for choosing a career in nursing will be discussed, together with the background to how she became the first UK Sickle Cell Nurse Specialist. Finally, Dame Elizabeth will explain why she became actively involved with the successful campaign for a statue of Mary Seacole, the Jamaican/Scottish Victorian nurse and entrepreneur.   

This annual lecture marks the contribution of Teddy Chester, who was the first professor of social administration at the University of Manchester. From his appointment in the early 1950s, to his retirement in the 1970s he was an influential pioneer in management development, using evidence and research with policy makers, and working with clinical leaders. He was involved in founding and leading the NHS Graduate Training Scheme, and in founding Manchester Business School.

Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu was joined by Ann Mahon, Professor of Health Leadership and Head of the Health Management Group at the University of Manchester.