This International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, we’re shining a light on female relatives in the NHS.

Marked annually on March 8, it is a day to celebrate women’s achievements, while reflecting on their experiences. Mother and daughter Katie and Sian Vincent both work at Walsall Manor Hospital.

Mum Sian joined the NHS aged 30. She was motivated to learn more after seeing her mum undergoing various scans for an illness. After completing a human physiology degree first, she then went on to complete a diagnostic radiography degree.

Now based in the Outpatients Department, she’s works mostly in fluoroscopy, which is a medical imaging technique using a special x-ray dye.

The 46-year-old said: “No two days are the same, I really enjoy my role.”

Sian is now training at the University of Salford to be an Advanced Practitioner Radiographer – due to qualify in the autumn.

Once qualified, she aims to specialise in ‘barium swallow’ – a scan that examines the throat and oesophagus (the food pipe) for abnormalities.

A Dietitian of six years, Katie offers nutritional advice and support to pregnant women with diabetes. She has recently returned from maternity leave and had diabetes herself while pregnant, which she says gave her a new level of “understanding and empathy.”

“Women who have been told they have diabetes are understandably quite distressed and often feel quite isolated but I’m able to act as a listening ear while providing practical guidance and tips,” she said.

“I help the women understand more about their food choices and portion control. We also host educational sessions in the community for women who are newly diagnosed. It’s a safe space for learning and sharing experiences.”

Katie describes being inspired by her mum when she was younger – witnessing the long hours Sian spent working and studying, while at the same time raising a family.

The 28-year-old said: “I love working with mum when our paths cross. When I think about the COVID-19 pandemic especially, it was challenging but we had a shared experience of it. We were in it together.”

Sian added: “Thursday nights were lovely when everyone stood on their doorstep and clapped – our neighbours were so kind, and I just remember feeling incredibly proud of us both.”

This International Women’s Day, the duo are encouraging others to be ambitious in their careers and show that it’s possible to achieve a healthy work-life balance.