Honorary degree for local health equity champion

Subitha Baghirathan, a long-standing Bristol Health Partners collaborator, has been awarded an honorary degree by the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol).

Subitha became an Honorary Doctor of Science at a ceremony at the Bristol Beacon on 24 July.

The award recognises her continued work, activism, applied research and contribution to the public health and wellbeing of visibly minority ethnic communities. Her efforts aim to reduce health inequalities and ensure equitable access to services which promote good health across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG).

For more than a decade, Subitha has been active within many of Bristol Health Partners’ Health Integration Teams (HITs), including Dementia, Stroke, Healthy Weight, Chronic Pain, Eating Disorders and Active Lives.  She has run multiple workshops on involving diverse groups in research and is also a member of the BNSSG diverse Research Engagement Network, which works to promote inclusion in health and care research locally.

At Bristol Health Partners 2024 conference, Subitha led more than 100 delegates in a rousing demonstration of the REACT exercise programme, which is proven to reverse frailty in older adults. We look forward to welcoming her to conference again on 22 October, where she will present findings from her enquiry into Black Caribbean and South Asian women’s experiences of long-term pain,  which has been supported by Nilaari and the Research Engagement Network.

Subitha said:

“My overriding feeling is deep shock that this unexpected honour was offered to me. Over my 11 years of health equity-focused activism and research, there have been slow but tangible changes for the better in how community-embedded contributors like me are seen, supported and valued. Nevertheless, my role and ‘footing’ in the area of health inequalities and improvement can still feel tricky, fluid, leaving me vulnerable in a range of ways – yet never denting my resolve to persist.

“The crystal-clear realisation, through this Honorary Doctorate of Science from UWE Bristol, that I am endowed with loyal and generous colleagues and allies across different sectors and organisations who share a commitment to health improvement, particularly for who have historically been under-served, has brought glitter and glow to every facet of my life.”

Oliver Watson, Bristol Health Partners’ joint Chief Operating Officer, said:

“I’m delighted to see Subitha being recognised for her expertise, passion and skills. Subitha has supported the partnership from early days and in many ways, to meaningfully involve ethnically diverse communities.

“While so much remains to be done, we’re making progress together and are grateful to work with such an effective and joyful collaborator. I’m excited about what is next – well done Subitha.”

Every Move Matters

Subitha features in the NHS England South West and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities Every Move Matters campaign, which launched in the South West on Monday 21 July. Read her story.