Six members in London region won an RCN Award this year. Their achievements were celebrated at a special ceremony at RCN Congress on Nurses’ Day (12 May).
The RCN Awards celebrate the extraordinary dedication, skill and passion that nursing colleagues bring to the profession and the RCN. Members are nominated for their unwavering dedication, pioneering work and outstanding contributions.
Dr Felicia Kwaku OBE, Associate Director of Nursing at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and Wendy Olayiwola BEM National Maternity Lead for Equality NHS England were awarded RCN Fellowships.
'It’s an honour to receive an RCN Fellowship'
The RCN Fellowship recognises innovative individuals who’ve made an exceptional commitment to advancing the science and practice of nursing, and the improvement of health and patient care.
Dr Felicia Kwaku OBE, a renowned leader and advocate for high standards of clinical practice and advocacy for the nursing workforce, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, said: “It’s an honour to receive an RCN Fellowship, especially to have been nominated by peers. As a clinical leader, I really share in the RCN's vision when it comes to advancing the nursing profession, and it is a huge achievement to have received this recognition of my contributions.”
Mohamad Ibrahim won Forum Member of the Year for his contributions to the Cancer Forum. This accolade recognises members who have supported forum projects and activities, and whose impact has inspired colleagues to engage positively with the RCN.
Mohamad, who is originally from Lebanon, is a Senior Research Nurse at The Royal Marsden Hospital and has been praised for his work on Cancer Care in Humanitarian Crises.
Commenting on his award, Mohamad said: “I’m delighted to be recognised with an RCN Award, specifically, the Forum Member of the Year award. I am very proud of the work we managed to push through, which will have an impact on how the RCN intervenes globally during times of crises and dire need. I hope this win is inspiring and motivating for my peers to get more engaged in the RCN and advocate for a better nursing workforce for all of us.”
Three London region members won an Award of Merit, which honours active members from across the UK who’ve gone above and beyond and is the highest honour the RCN can give for voluntary service to the College. These included former RCN President Sheilabye Sobrany, who is a Senior Nursing Lecturer at Roehampton University. Sheilabye played a leading role in supporting the development of the RCN’s first Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy, which embedded anti-racism into governance and operational practices.
'This recognition is truly deserved'
Jim Blair, who is a former RCN London Board Chair, was recognised with an Award of Merit for his outstanding commitment to supporting and advancing learning disability nursing.Tracie Culpitt, Health and Wellbeing Team Leader at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, also won an Award of Merit for work on the RCN’s Professional Nursing Committee.
In addition, Filipino nurse Wilthelmino Rongavilla, who works for Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust, received a Learning Representative of the Year commendation. The Representative of the Year awards are presented to RCN reps who are making a difference in their workplace and have shown outstanding commitment to the RCN and its members.
RCN London Regional Director Lisa Elliott said: “We’re delighted that so many of our London region members have been recognised in the RCN Awards. Their grit, determination and passion to make a difference to the nursing profession is an inspiration to us all. Our winners demonstrate the very best of London’s nursing community and this recognition is truly deserved.”
