Report comment

Speaking as a woman in a senior role who also used to be a nurse, I am honoured to be in the HSJ list. And I admire Alastair, HSJ colleagues, the judges and the nominators for having the courage to do this, knowing that various Anons would be crying UNFAIR but not having the courage to put their names to their complaints.

The facts are stark - 70% of the NHS workforce is female and 20 % BME. So let's see this reflected in jobs at all levels by filling each post through a truly open process, by encouraging those who have the skills but for whatever reason don't come forward for senior roles to do so, and by having great role models for people from all minority groups to aspire to.

I spent most of yesterday evening talking to Sarah Amani, Molly Case and Helen Donnelly. We noticed that the room was much more diverse and inclusive than on other such occasions in age range, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and visible disabilities. It was lovely to be there.

These 50 women represent over a million other women who all do amazing work in the NHS.

Thank you to all of you x