First Kenyan Deputy Chief Nurse Appointed in the UK's National Health Service

Mercy Wasike has become the first Kenyan to be appointed as a deputy chief nurse in the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS).

Wasike’s new role entails providing senior leadership at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust in support of the chief nurse, according to Nursing Times.

She has experience as a senior sister within an emergency department and has also worked as a professional development nurse.

"Mercy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to nursing at RNOH," said Louise Morton, chief nurse at Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.

“Her professionalism, expertise and compassionate approach is an exemplar to her colleagues and make her an amazing nurse leader.  We welcome her and are very lucky, and proud, to have her.”

In 2016, Wasike was seconded to Health Education England where she worked as a professional lead for community and primary care nursing. Working across North Central and East London, she led a general practice nursing project.

She was subsequently appointed as an assistant director of nursing within Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust.

Wasike, who graduated with a bachelor of education degree in Kenya, moved to the UK and pursued a diploma in adult nursing at the University of Brighton, joining the Nursing and Midwifery Council register in 2003.

“I left home to explore an opportunity to use my gifts in service to humanity, this position validates that decision. I would like to acknowledge all those who have contributed to getting me this far on my nursing leadership journey,” Wasike said as quoted by Nursing Times.

“My family have an abiding belief in my ability and have been consistent with their support to me.”

Wasike is a fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK), a Florence Nightingale Leadership scholar, and a Queen’s Nurse.