Nursing is more than just a profession – it’s a calling shaped by compassion and a commitment to care.
At our Blackheath Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre, based in South East London, Mary embodies these values daily as the Matron by positively guiding her team.
The centre provides specialist inpatient rehabilitation for patients with acquired brain injuries and other complex neurological conditions.
Rooted in a rich family caregiving tradition, Mary’s journey into healthcare is one of resilience and growth. This is her story.
Kenya and caregiving
Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, Mary’s journey into healthcare was influenced by her family’s strong care tradition.
Growing up, she was inspired by her grandmother, a community caregiver in rural Kenya. Mary explained, “When I was young, my grandmother was the go-to person when people were sick.
My grandparents are based in the countryside, so I would always see people coming to my grandma whether they had a wound or wanted medication, even though she would facilitate their getting treatment and medication from a hospital. So, it stems from that and my mum being a nurse”.
Despite initially aspiring to become a lawyer, Mary’s path changed when she moved to the UK for her A-Levels and found herself drawn to nursing – a decision she has never regretted.
Early Career and Training
“I began my healthcare career by pursuing nursing training after my mother suggested it as a more practical option than law,” said Mary. “Following my A-Levels, I trained in nursing and began working in acute medicine within the NHS, focusing on emergency care”.
After gaining substantial experience, Mary felt the need to explore other areas and pursued a master’s degree in public health. Despite completing the degree, Mary realised her passion remained in direct patient care.
Moving Away from the NHS
After several years working in the NHS, Mary explored new opportunities. “I enjoyed my experience, and I learnt a lot, but it was time for a change,” Mary explains. This led Mary to leave the NHS and join another care provider, where she continued to develop her leadership and clinical skills.
International Experience in the United States
In 2013, Mary moved to the United States and continued her nursing career at A&E. She became a lead nurse in Chicago. Adjusting to the new healthcare environment posed challenges, from taking the NCLEX exam to adapting to cultural and systemic differences. “It was a struggle because you had to take the exam. Understanding the culture was new to me because I had been in the UK for a while,” Mary recalls.
Despite the challenges, Mary embraced the new environment, finding that the skills she acquired in the UK were highly transferable. “The skills I am grateful to say are transferable. It wasn’t like learning something entirely new; it was learning a new system and then how to develop my existing skills.”
Returning to the UK: Leadership at Blackheath
After starting a family, Mary returned to the UK and joined the Blackheath Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre. Initially taking on a Band 5 nursing role, she quickly demonstrated her leadership abilities, rooted in visibility, empathy, and leading by example. “If you visit our service, everyone will tell you I am always there with a friendly good morning! It’s important to have that visibility where people know I am around and approachable.”
Building a Team Culture
Mary’s focus at Blackheath has been on fostering a positive, supportive team culture. “I always believe that there’s no progress in ‘I,’ but if there is a ‘we,’ then we’re going to move forward”, Mary says.
Mary leads quality care at the service. She believes that empowering staff and maintaining open dialogue are essential for delivering high standards. “It’s about being open and honest and having those difficult conversations when things are not going well. You have to be willing to support your team and address issues directly.”
Leading by Example
One of Mary’s core values as a leader is never asking her team to do something she wouldn’t do herself. “I’m a doer, so I would not ask anybody to do something that I wouldn’t do myself,” she states. “Whether it’s bedside care or covering shifts, I am hands-on and always ready to support my team.”
“I think the leadership of adopting a visible presence is important.”
Supporting International Nurses
Having experienced the challenges of relocating herself, Mary is passionate about supporting international nurses joining Blackheath.
She actively mentors newcomers, helping them adapt to new environments and guiding them through professional exams. “You have to support others through their challenges because I know what it feels like to be new and uncertain about things.”
A Reflective Leader
Mary’s journey from Kenya to the UK, and then the US before returning to Blackheath, has shaped her into a resilient and thoughtful leader.
Reflecting on her career, Mary says, “I rely heavily on logical analysis, but I also know my limitations. You must be humble enough to know what you can and cannot do.”
Mary continues to inspire her team with her dedication to quality care and commitment to continuous learning and leadership.
As Matron, she embodies the spirit of compassionate care, leading by example and always putting patients and staff at the heart of Blackheath Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre.
If you want to learn more about the careers at Active Care Group or wish to apply, why not visit our careers page here.