Posted on: 15 October 2025
Congratulations to CNWL’s fourth cohort of Chief Nurse Fellows for completing their fellowship.
We held a celebratory event at Trust HQ to present each of the three Fellows — Ropafadzo Mapimhidze, Miriam Chibamu, and Dudzai Mudoti — with a badge, certificate, and trophy.
The Fellowship Programme is a year-long experience tailored to each nurse's goals, with the aim of advancing nursing excellence and leadership. It specifically focuses on developing nurses from the global majority.
The three Fellows presented findings from their research projects.
- Ropafadzo's project: Reflective Practice and the Impact on Staff Wellbeing & Implications on Patient Safety
- Miriam's project: Improving the Quality of clinical supervision in Nursing staff at HMP Feltham
- Dudzai's project: Exploring Ethnic monitoring of any disparities through Referrals in Older Adult Community Mental Health Service (OACMHS)
Each fellow was provided with a mentor from the Directors of Nursing, a Chief Nurse Fellow buddy from previous programme cohorts, and regular access to our Chief Nurse.
Divisional Assistant Director of Nursing, Percy Watugwa, said, "While it’s a touch sad coming to the end of working with Dudzai, Ropa, and Miriam, Kerrie and I are fortunate to have been part of these three Chief Nurse Fellows’ journeys. We are now looking forward to seeing their continued growth and contribution to nursing in CNWL and the wider health community."
Midge Seymour-Roots, from Tavistock Consulting shared: “It has been a pleasure to work alongside the Chief Nurse Fellows over the past year and to witness their growth and development as they met the challenges and joy of the fellowship programme head on! CNWL is lucky to have such thoughtful and compassionate new leaders in role. The world is their oyster!”
The next cohort of Chief Nurse Fellows will start this October.
Meet our new Chief Nurse Fellows (cohort 5)
Jijo Mekkara - Senior Substance Misuse Nurse/NMP
"The Chief Nurse Fellowship was my proudest movement an opportunity to be amongst and see how Chief Nurse, Divisional Directors of Nursing and Senior leadership figures compose, present, operate and manage themselves in leadership and to learn from them to form my own style. I am so grateful for my team and my service in supporting my journey through the CNF in my learning to strengthen my voice, influencing other, enhance leadership skills, learn new ways and boast my confidence. Supper excited to learn myself and hoping I can support and inspire others."
Sancha Bernard, Senior Specialist Nurse
Sancha is a Senior Specialist Nurse and current Chief Nurse Fellow, dedicated to advancing compassionate, evidence-based care and driving improvements in patient outcomes. With extensive clinical expertise and a strong commitment to professional development, she is passionate about shaping nursing practice through leadership, innovation, and mentorship. As a Fellow, Sancha is focused on influencing policy and practice at a system level, championing equity in care, and supporting the of the next generation of nurses.
Alexander Oparaji, Clinical Nurse Specialist
"My desire is to empower and lead by example. I am strongly convinced that the Chief Nurse Fellowship programme will enhance my knowledge, confidence, empowering and influencing skills as a nursing leader within the Trust and beyond. I am looking forward to learning from the Chief Nurse, Divisional Directors of Nursing, Clinical Education Leads and the Senior Management Team. I have a passion for patient-centred care, and I am proud to be a qualified Mental Health Nurse."