Published on: 21 October 2024
As part of Black History Month (1 to 31 October), Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is celebrating its diverse workforce by sharing colleagues’ stories and shining a spotlight on their lives. 
This year’s theme is ‘reclaiming narratives’ and reflects a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. Sifo Dlamini, Clinical and Operations Project Manager at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, shares details about his background and how his family – and the loss of his younger sister – have helped to influence his career to date.
Sifo also highlights how his experiences from both African and Western contexts have improved and shaped his work for the NHS, including his current role as a project manager for the Making Room for Dignity programme.
What is your job role?
I am a Registered Mental Health nurse (RMN) with Project Management experience and currently working as the Clinical and Operations Project Manager for the Making Room for Dignity (MRfD) programme, a building programme to create modern, en-suite NHS mental health facilities in Derbyshire, to improve the safety, privacy and dignity of patients experiencing mental illness. My role involves managing this ambitious programme, to develop state-of-the-art mental health facilities in the region, and ensuring that the clinical needs of both patients and staff are integrated into every stage of the development. I collaborate with teams across different disciplines, from construction to clinical staff, to make sure that the environments we create are designed to support high-quality mental health care. The role demands both strategic oversight and a deep understanding of patient care within mental health settings.
Tell us something about your family and background?
I was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and I speak isiNdebele/Zulu and understand Shona. As the first-born in my family, I have always felt a strong sense of responsibility and a need to remain connected with those around me. I have one living sister in Leeds, but sadly, we lost our youngest sister at the age of 21 after her long battle with lupus. Her courage, along with the care she received from dedicated healthcare professionals, had a profound impact on me and resulted in me deciding on a change in career paths from engineering to healthcare.
I am also married and have two daughters. Spending time with my family and attending church each week helps me stay grounded and focused on what truly matters in life.
This year’s theme is about ‘reclaiming narratives’. Why is Black History Month important to you?
Black History Month is not only a time to reflect but, more importantly, a time to reclaim our stories. For a long time now, narratives around BAME people, especially Black men, have been shaped by stereotypes – associated with crime, substance misuse, or mental health issues. I believe these assumptions can limit self-belief and potential whilst contributing to stigma, especially in communities of African and Caribbean heritage. For me, this month should be about highlighting rich stories about our resilience, achievements, and capabilities as people. It is an opportunity to celebrate our contributions whilst challenging misconceptions that have been long-standing in society.
How does your background shape the work you do for the NHS?
My background has given me a unique perspective that I bring into my work every day. My role allows me to positively influence and bring a blended view to discussions ensuring that the environments we create are not just functional but designed with the care and dignity of mental health patients at the forefront. Coming from Zimbabwe and experiencing life in both African and Western contexts has made me culturally aware and sensitive to the different needs of patients, particularly those from minority backgrounds.
What is your greatest achievement?
One of my greatest achievements has been making the transition from engineering into the NHS. It was not an easy decision, but it was one I made with a sense of purpose after watching my sister’s journey. Professionally, leading elements of the Making Room for Dignity programme has been a significant achievement. This project is about more than just construction – it is about shaping spaces where patients can receive the care they deserve, in environments that respect their dignity. On a personal level, my greatest achievement is being a husband to my wife and father to my two daughters. Balancing family and a demanding career are challenging, but incredibly rewarding.
Who inspires you?
My stepfather made history as the first Black Chief Mechanical Engineer of the National Railways of Zimbabwe and later becoming the Chief Executive Officer in that organisation. Watching him navigate the challenges of these roles and showing his leadership and determination in the face of challenges have always inspired me. He led one of the largest railway networks in southern Africa, and his ability to navigate such a complex environment with integrity is something I aspire to in my own career. I saw the value of hard work, resilience, and giving back to the community first hand and these values have continued to guide me in my work and personal life.
Are you working on anything exciting currently?
I am currently concentrating fully on the Making Room for Dignity programme, as it is a significant initiative focused on improving acute mental health services for Derby and Derbyshire. It is a complex and exciting project that involves not just the construction and redesign of mental health facilities but also workforce planning and recruitment to ensure that we have the right teams in place to deliver patient-centred care we aim for as a Trust. What excites me most about this project is the potential it has to leave a lasting impact on how we care for mental health patients. It is about more than just creating new spaces – it is about creating environments where patients feel respected, valued, and supported throughout their journey.
