Brighton nursing alumna earns groundbreaking NHS appointment

University of Brighton nursing graduate Mercy Wasike has become the first Kenyan deputy chief nurse to be appointed in the NHS.

Mercy has taken up the senior leadership position at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust in London – the largest specialist orthopaedic hospital in the UK, and ranked among the top 10 hospitals for orthopaedics in the world. 

After graduating with a bachelor of education degree in Kenya, Mercy moved to the UK and took a diploma in adult nursing at the University. The University’s nursing and midwifery courses are considered among the best in the UK, and are ranked joint first for career and graduate prospects in both The Guardian University Guide 2022 and the Complete University Guide 2022.
  
In addition to working as a senior emergency department sister and professional development nurse, Mercy was seconded to Health Education England in 2016 as professional lead for community and primary care nursing. She is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK), a Florence Nightingale Leadership scholar, and a Queen’s Nurse. 

Speaking in Nursing Times, Mercy 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.”

Darren Brand, Principal Lecturer in the School of Sport and Health Sciences, and Nursing Sciences course co-leader at University of Brighton, said: “We are very proud to hear of all former student successes, and are delighted that a Brighton alumna has obtained such a senior nursing role in the NHS. The health courses at Brighton prepare students for a career that is rewarding and important to society generally. We wish Mercy every success in her new post.” 

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.”