Mary Seacole was born in Jamaica in 1805, and learned nursing skills from her mother. At the onset of the Crimean War she became concerned for the welfare of wounded soldiers. After unsuccessfully applying several times to join the official nursing effort led by Florence Nightingale, she travelled to the Crimea and set up the British Hotel at her own expense to nurse injured troops, making a major contribution to nursing practice. In this role she demonstrated immense courage, often working on the actual battlefield.

Applications are invited from nurses, midwives or health visitors in clinical and professional practice in England for two new annual awards. There is an award of up to £6,250 for the development award and £12,500 for the leadership awards. The RCM and other professional organisations, the DH and NHS employers work closely together to ensure successful candidates are fully supported during their scholarship year.

Jointly funded by the Department of Health and NHS Employers to honour Mary Seacole's name and acknowledge her achievements, the awards provide opportunities for successful applicants to undertake a project, or other educational activity, to enhance patient/client-focused care. Proposed projects or activities should be designed to benefit the health needs of people from black and minority ethnic communities. Applicants should be members of a recognised professional body and the project should be completed in one year.

Application forms and further information

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