A London Assembly member has praised black and Asian health workers for being the “backbone of the NHS”.

Jennette Arnold, member for Waltham Forest, Hackney and Islington, made a speech during her recent visit to Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone.

At the event to mark Black History Month, which is celebrated every October, Ms Arnold spoke about the contribution ethnic minorities, including those form the Windrush generation, have made to the NHS’ 70-year history.

“Black and Asian staff are the backbone of the NHS and have been since its beginning,” she said.

“It is great to see their outstanding contributions, their dedication and their passion to help people celebrated and praised at an event like this.

“This is true of NHS staff up and down the country, without whom the health services that we too often take for granted could not function.”

Ms Arnold began her career as a nurse and later worked as an advisor on equalities to the Royal College of Nursing before entering politics.