Bristol Infirmary's first black ward sister recollects time on the wards

May became a ward sister in 1966. Credit: Family photo

  • May Tanner faced a lot of discrimination as a black nurse in the 1960s.

May Tanner is the Bristol Royal Infirmary's first black nurse.

The 86-year-old moved to the UK from Barbados after hearing the call to help rebuild the country, and first qualified as a nurse in 1959.

She worked at the Bristol Royal Infirmary in 1965, becoming a ward sister a year later.

She says she loved caring for others, but despite her many qualifications and good reputation amongst patients, she faced a lot of discrimination and was even passed up for a promotion, all because of the colour of her skin.

May Tanner experienced tough times as an immigrant in the 1950s. Credit: Family photo
May and Michael Tanner married in 1963. Credit: Family photo

Despite the discrimination she faced, May was adorned with nursing medals and even found love in the wards, marrying Michael, the son of one her patients, in 1963.

Fast forward to the present day, Charlette Graham-Brown, who has been a staff nurse at the Bristol Royal Infirmary for five years, says although things have improved, prejudices still exist.

May Tanner and Charlette Graham-Brown have both worked at the BRI, four decades apart. Credit: ITV West Country

May replies, "But you see now there's more of you, with me I was on my own."

  • Watch more on May's story below: