Specialist trust appoints deputy chief nurse – Nursing Times

‘This is a situation that cannot go on indefinitely’
STEVE FORD, EDITOR
23 June, 2022 By Ella Devereux
Source:&nbsp Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust has appointed a deputy chief nurse.
Mercy Wasike took up the position on 3 May and has been providing senior leadership at the specialist London trust in support of the chief nurse.
Ms Wasike has experience as a senior sister within an emergency department and has also worked as a professional development nurse.
In 2016, she was seconded to Health Education England where she worked as professional lead for community and primary care nursing. Working across North Central and East London, she led on a general practice nursing project.
“Mercy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to nursing at RNOH”
Louise Morton
Following this, Ms Wasike was appointed as an assistant director of nursing within Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust.
Ms Wasike graduated with a bachelors of education degree in Kenya. She moved to the UK and undertook a diploma in adult nursing at the University of Brighton, joining the Nursing and Midwifery Council register in 2003.
She said: “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.
“My family have an abiding belief in my ability and have been consistent with their support to me.”
Louise Morton, chief nurse at Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, said: “Mercy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to nursing at RNOH.
“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.”
Ms Wasike is a fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK), a Florence Nightingale Leadership scholar and a Queen’s Nurse.
Correction: When this article was first published, it was thought that Ms Wasike was the first deputy chief nurse in the NHS. Since then, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals has confirmed that their deputy chief nurse, Richard Gatune, was appointed in March.
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