The Bashir family has made a remarkable mark on the healthcare landscape at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in the United Kingdom, with ten family members currently employed at the institution. This unique situation stems from the nursing careers of sisters Meena and Razwana Bashir, who began their professional journeys together in 2000, inspiring a wave of relatives to join them in service.
Over the last two decades, the commitment of Meena and Razwana has not only shaped their own careers but has also created a familial legacy within the Trust. Today, their extended family, including nieces and cousins, contributes to various departments, from renal units to physiotherapy. With a niece set to graduate later this year, the Bashir family’s dedication to nursing is poised to continue through future generations.
Both sisters graduated from Bradford University in 2003 and began their careers on the same day. Meena, now 53, works as a Clinical Site Matron, while Razwana, 49, serves as a Renal Matron. Their journey began with a shared goal of providing compassionate care, a value that remains central to their work.
Razwana recounted their shared experience: “We graduated together from Bradford University with nursing degrees… It was a very proud day for our parents.” The sisters have since risen through the ranks, achieving senior positions while maintaining a hands-on approach to patient care. Razwana emphasized the importance of being present for patients, stating, “If a patient needs a bedpan, I’ll roll my sleeves up and get on with it. I want to be a role model.”
The COVID-19 pandemic tested their commitment, as the sisters voluntarily came in on their days off to comfort end-of-life patients during visiting restrictions. “We left our own families at home to be the family for those who couldn’t have theirs,” Razwana reflected.
With their influence evident, the Bashir family has expanded to include eight additional members working at the Trust. Among them are Meena’s daughters: Aneeka Bashir, 30, a temporary switchboard operator, and Chand Uzair, 26, a student nurse. Chand plans to secure full-time employment after her graduation in January 2026. Aneeka shared her motivation for joining the Trust, saying, “My mum encouraged me to join because she loves working here.”
The family ties extend beyond immediate relatives. Svara Razak, a cousin and ward manager, has been with the Trust for nearly 15 years. She expressed gratitude for the support of her cousins throughout her career. “It’s reassuring to work with your family because you’ve always got support there,” Svara noted.
Other relatives include Noreen Rashid, the deputy general manager of anaesthetics, and Romessa Nawaz, a physician associate on the acute medical unit. Romessa enjoys the fast-paced environment, highlighting the strong teamwork within the department. “We are a tight-knit team and it’s lovely to be part of a multi-disciplinary team,” she stated.
The Bashir family’s story has garnered attention, and it is believed they may hold the record for the largest family unit working at a single NHS trust. Professor Mel Pickup, Chief Executive of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, acknowledged the uniqueness of their situation. “It is truly exceptional, and I would expect them to be one of the largest family groups to have ever worked for one NHS trust at the same time,” he remarked.
As the family continues to grow, the Bashirs remain committed to their roles within the NHS, embodying the values of compassion and care that define the organization. With more relatives expressing interest in joining the ranks, the future of this healthcare dynasty looks bright.
