Congratulations to Sipiwe Zamba who has been awarded a Rising Star Award by the Royal College of Nursing.

Sipiwe, a senior sister, was nominated by Susan Tierney, divisional director of nursing for surgery and associated services, for stepping into an acting ward leadership role at Barnet Hospital.

Susan explains: “Sipiwe took over the leadership of a team that was very unsettled due to lots of leadership changes. She has done an incredible job of bringing the team together giving everyone a voice ensuring that staff feel valued and cared for. She now leads a united and happy team who deliver amazing care to patients and are receiving many compliments.”

Sipiwe’s proactive approach includes regular team meetings scheduled for a time where everyone can attend. They are also virtual so people can join from home if they wish. Sipiwe has also succeeded in delivering a 100% appraisal rate and ensures staff are given the opportunity to discuss their wellbeing.

Susan adds: “Sipiwe has come on duty early in the morning to help the staff working nights to achieve this important task. She also recognised staff didn’t have a suitable rest room so she converted a ward office into a coffee room so that staff have a space to rest and switch off during their breaks. This sent out a very strong message to her team about what was most important to her.”

For last year’s Black History month Sipiwe supported the trust in setting up a fashion show at Barnet Hospital so that staff from different cultures could model their country’s local dress and celebrate their ethnicity. The event was such a success it is being held again.

Susan concludes: “Sipiwe takes huge pride in her work and the ward she leads and I look forward to seeing where her skills take her.” 

Now in their fifth year, the awards recognise nursing staff from London's Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic community.