The CareerMap team have put together a Black History Month edition of their monthly newsletter, CareerMap Vibes. 

This edition features stories from our colleagues, who take us on their career journeys whilst celebrating their lives and their contributions to patient care, our Trust and the wider community. 

One of the colleagues spotlighted in this edition is matron, Clementina Martin. Read her story below. 

Love and compassion are key to matron Clementina 

Love, compassion, and forgiveness. Those are the three words that continue to guide Clementina Martin's life and career. She says: “I think love supersedes everything and if you love, you forgive everything, and compassion follows. It is about never carrying grudges and always moving forwards. As healthcare professionals, we are here for our patients and that is what matters most.”

Even as a child, Clementina was told she would make a good nurse and her Nigerian parents gave her a second name, Siyeofori, meaning ‘’I see good in people, and everything is good’’ because they believed their daughter stood out for her generous and caring nature.

She studied nursing at London South Bank University and enjoyed her final placement in Surgery at BHRUT so much, she joined the team when she qualified.

From there, Clementina moved into the Trust’s Complex Discharge Team, becoming a Discharge Co-ordinator across-site.

She then joined the Frailty Service and played an instrumental role in setting up the first nurse-led Frail Older Persons Advice and Liaison Service (FOPALS) at King George Hospital ED.

She says: “Initially I was apprehensive about moving into geriatrics, but it is an extremely rewarding speciality with so much to read up on to enable you to give the assured quality care our patients deserve.”

Clementina was appointed Matron in 2016 and oversees four wards, as well as the Beech Frailty Unit.

What does Black History mean to you?

The culture I come from is marinated in respect for the elderly and that transforms the way we care for our patients. My vision is to see geriatrics become the centre of excellence for all our silver hairs. 

If you'd like to read more stories from our black colleagues, download the Black History Month edition of CareerMap Vibes [docx] 1MB