News

We’ve celebrated 115 colleagues for their passion for learning, drive to keep improving and shared commitment to delivering the very best care for our patients. 

The group, who completed a range of apprenticeships, university degrees and continuous professional development, were recognised at a graduation ceremony at Queen’s Hospital. Completing these courses helped improve their skills and leads to safer care and better experiences for our patients. 

Among the graduates was Sharon Johanes, a nurse on Ash ward at King George Hospital, who completed a Level 7 qualification in Advanced Diabetes Management. 

The four-month Continuous Professional Development (CPD) course has strengthened Sharon's clinical confidence and independence, particularly when managing patients with complex insulin needs. 

Sharon said:  

This course taught me in-depth how diabetes actually affects a person and what other organs get affected. 

Before, if a patient’s blood sugar was fluctuating and a junior nurse asked me what to do, I used to call the doctor to confirm if we could administer a dose. 

But now, I have the in-depth knowledge so I can make that decision myself." 

The qualification also enables Sharon to better educate patients before they're discharged, helping them manage their diabetes more safely at home. 

Im really happy the Trust gave me the opportunity to develop myself. Even though I’ve finished my initial nursing studies, it is always important to take programmes like this. 

It has refreshed my knowledge and given me the in-depth ideas needed to deliver the best care possible.

Also celebrating was Maureen Obioha Agwanihu, a mammographer in the Elm Breast Care Unit at King George Hospital, who completed a clinical breast examination qualification as part of her studies to become a consultant. 

After beginning her healthcare career in a care home in Italy and moving to the UK for her studies, Maureen joined us as a radiographer in 2017 and has continued to build her expertise. 

She said: 

Working in radiography has been a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to help people and the care we provide in the breast care unit helps our patients get the answers to their questions. 

I feel fulfilled that I’m making progress and I have a lot of ahead of me to achieve. I want to make my family and children proud as they look up to me. My daughter is following in my footsteps and just finished her exams in radiography.

The ceremony also marked the success of our Project SEARCH interns, young adults aged 17-19 with a learning disability and/or autism who do placements across our Trust to help them gain workplace experience during their final year of study. 

Suraya Brown, 18, from Ilford, graduated from Project SEARCH after completing placements across the Trust. Suraya, who has a rare genetic condition, joined the programme in September 2025 after leaving Little Heath Sixth Form. 

During her placement in pathology, she learned to process blood samples and use the department's laboratory systems to record patient information accurately.  She has since secured a full-time ward clerk apprenticeship in the Maple Suite at King George Hospital. 

Asked what advice she would have for others with her condition, Suraya said: 

Nothing can stop you. Give it a try. You've got all the support, so just give it your best.

Her mother, Atlanta, said: 

I am hugely, hugely proud of Suraya. The world writes off a lot of our babies so for Project SEARCH and BHRUT to give them this opportunity, I don't have words for it.

Gurpreet Lal celebrated his graduation after his father, Inder, travelled thousands of miles from a business trip in Shanghai to attend the ceremony. 

Since joining Project SEARCH last September , Gurpreet has completed placements in several departments, including infection prevention and control and as a ward clerk. 

Gurpreet said: 

I enjoyed meeting new staff, talking to lots of people and working in different departments.

His parents, Inder and Manisha, said the programme has helped him become more confident and independent. 

Kenye Karemo, our Chief People Officer (Interim) and Director of Education, said: 

Providing the best possible care for our patients starts with investing in our people. Every colleague who has completed their learning has shown a commitment to developing the skills and knowledge needed to deliver high-quality care. 

We are proud of every graduate and the culture of learning we are building at BHRUT, supporting our people to develop their skills, progress their careers and reach their full potential.