By KLTV Newsdesk –

The University of Huddersfield officially opened the Daphne Steele Building at its National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC), honouring the pioneering nurse who broke racial barriers in UK healthcare.

The building is named after Guyana-born Daphne Steele, who became the NHS’s first Black matron in 1964. Her son, Robert Steele, attended the ceremony.

Notable attendees at the opening included Dr Sarah Jarvis, medical expert and Huddersfield Visiting Professor; Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Social Care; and Harpreet Uppal, MP for Huddersfield.

New Facilities

The NHIC aims to enhance health outcomes and drive healthcare innovation across the North of England.

It integrates public-facing facilities, including award-winning student-led clinics, and supports entrepreneurial academic activities.

The campus will serve the regional and broader health economy through robust public-private partnerships, offering specialist clinical teaching facilities for comprehensive workforce development.

Construction of the seven-acre Southgate site, near the University campus, began in early 2023. The building is equipped with cutting-edge facilities for courses in midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, operating department practice, paramedic science, physiotherapy, podiatry, and speech and language therapy.

The new facilities already in use include:

• High-fidelity skill labs simulating busy healthcare settings like hospital wards
• The University’s award-winning podiatry clinic
• A gait analysis lab
• The ‘Simbulance’ – an ambulance simulator for Paramedic Science students
• Quiet study and work spaces for students and staff
• A café and social spaces for students, staff, and visitors.

Upcoming Works

The NHIC project includes planning for up to seven buildings, with the Emily Siddon Building currently under construction and slated for completion in late 2025.

This upcoming facility will house a Community Diagnostic Centre as part of the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, offering various diagnostic tests for local patients, including MRI and CT scans.

‘Pioneer of Healthcare’

Speaking on the unveiling, University Chancellor Sir George Buckley, said: “Daphne was a true pioneer of healthcare, and she was renowned for her expertise, care and compassion, which are all as as relevant now as they were when she was working in the NHS.

“We are humbled that Robert and the Steele family have allowed us to help to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals by naming this wonderful new facility in Daphne’s honour.”

‘Wonderful Resource’

Daphne’s son Robert Steele added: “I had seen the images of what the building would look like, but to be here in the flesh has surpassed everything that I thought it would be.

“Looking at some of these cutting-edge facilities, getting a feel for how this will affect the local community, training the next generation of healthcare professionals, underlines that it is a truly wonderful resource.”

‘Countless Contributions’

Karin Smyth MP said: “This building pays tribute to the countless contributions of migrant workers who have played a crucial role in the NHS since its creation over 75 years ago.

“Their dedication and commitment are foundational to the health service we rely on today, and I am proud that we are recognising this legacy here.

“The University of Huddersfield has also shown remarkable dedication, investing significant resources alongside the Office for Students funding.

“Together, these contributions underscore the commitment from all sides to building a future-ready health service that is equipped to serve communities across the region and the country.”