Tongesayi (Tongie), a professional nurse educator with our Acute and Crisis Mental Health Directorate, was selected as the winner from more than 120 entries, for showing exceptional levels of care, passion and leadership potential.
He has come a long way since immigrating from Zimbabwe in 2015 and studying mental health nursing while working as a London bus driver. At the virtual awards ceremony on 29 November, he was praised for the passion he shows for his work, his fairness and for inspiring others.
His award follows the announcement in October that he had also been named a Royal College of Nursing Rising Star for 2022.
Tongie, who works at Oxleas House in Woolwich, said: “I was amazed and humbled to win first prize out of 123 nominations. Thank you so much to everyone for believing in me and I will forever be indebted to you.”
Aishing Clifford, Service Director for Acute Adult and Crisis Mental Health Services, said: “Well done and congratulations Tongie. You’re having a great year and we’re delighted to have you working with us.”
Jane Wells, Director of Nursing, who nominated Tongie for the award, added: “Congratulations - I am so proud of you. It's a very competitive award and you have done so incredibly well to achieve it. To have won this and the RCN Rising Star, both in the same year is quite an achievement.”
we’re kind we’re fair we listen we care