Nursing is the star in Antiques Roadshow’s special edition

Nursing’s modern-day trailblazers reflect on key figures and landmark moments for the profession and how it has built on a legacy of compassionate, person-centred care

A former RCN Nursing Awards winner had a ‘pinch me’ moment appearing on this week’s Antique Roadshow’s nursing special.

Children’s nurse Rohit Sagoo said he was proud to represent the profession as part of Sunday night’s edition of the BBC One programme, which traced key nursing figures and events, including Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole, Edith Cavell, the contribution of the Windrush generation, community nursing and Call the Midwife author Jennifer Worth.

Mr Sagoo was invited for a day of filming at the grand 18^th century Hogarth Stair in St Bartholomew's Hospital in London and received the ‘green room treatment’, mingling with antique experts and fellow nurses before being interviewed.

Winner of the leadership category of the RCN Nursing Awards 2021, Mr Sagoo told viewers why he was inspired to establish British Sikh Nurses, and about his work raising awareness of diabetes and organ donation in the UK’s south Asian communities.

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‘It was such a proud moment to be a part of. I was nervous, but we got treated really well and seeing the historic parts of the hospital was amazing. Most nurses probably go to work on the wards every day and never know it’s even there,’ he told Nursing Standard.

‘What really came across to me in the programme is that at the core of nursing is still dignity, trust, empathy, compassion, respect and care. You are looking after strangers at their must vulnerable. While things have modernised, in essence, the core of nursing is still there.’

Nursing artefacts document history of the profession

The programme, which aired on 26 February, was praised by TV stalwarts including Unforgotten actor Sanjeev Bhaskar and TV presenter Fern Britton who called Mr Sagoo’s work ‘inspiring’.

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Presenter Fiona Bruce looked at nurses’ medals for bravery, early uniforms, medical equipment, and interviewed comedian and former mental health nurse sister Jo Brand.

The show also shared the story of a nurse who pioneered a compassionate approach to community care for people with AIDS in the 1980s.

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Experience of the Windrush generation of nurses

While some viewers accused the show of ‘wokery’ for not featuring valuations for items, Mr Sagoo said the change of format did not take detract the programme.

‘The episode was brilliant. What stood out for me were the parallels in the experiences of the Windrush generation and my own as a south Asian. We have a lot to thank them for, they really paved the way for international nurses.’

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