Gideon Agbemafle: Ghanaian Nurse Honoured for His Contributions to the NHS, Receives National Award
- A Ghanaian nurse has become an inspiration to his peers in the profession after he received a national award in the UK for his exceptional service
Nurses are the heart of healthcare around the world, and one young nurse is proving this by demonstrating a lifelong dedication to caring for patients during their most vulnerable moments.
Source: UGC
2024 data from NHS England indicates that 372,411 nurses and midwives are currently working in England to ensure efficient healthcare delivery.
Among them, Ghanaian-born Gideon Agbemafle has become a beacon of inspiration after his dedication and hard work in the NHS were duly acknowledged and rewarded.
Early life and education of Gideon Agbemafle
Gideon Agbemafle grew up in Ghana, where he had his basic school education in Accra at the Services Basic School, Adenta Victory Primary School, and Adenta Community School. From there, he attended secondary education at St. Thomas Aquinas School.
His nursing aspirations became a reality in 2017 after he graduated from the 37 Military Nursing and Midwifery Training School, and his career took off when he began his professional journey at the Bloom Medical Centre in East Legon, Greater Accra.
Source: UGC
Working as a nurse in the UK
Speaking in an exclusive interview with YEN.com.gh, Gideon Agbemafle, who currently serves as a Global Majority Practice Development Nurse and a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Fellow at the Wrightington, Wigan, and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust (WWL), disclosed that he relocated to the UK in 2021, citing his desire to develop his knowledge and expertise, seek professional development, and enjoy better remuneration as reasons behind his relocation.
As with any relocation, the 31-year-old had to adjust and overcome challenges on both personal and professional fronts in his new surroundings.
"Initially, it was challenging adjusting to a different climate, with seasons different from what I had known my whole life, living in Ghana. There was also the cultural shock, which had to do with the language, understanding different accents, people, and ways of life. It was difficult living here alone, miles away from friends and family, with no sense of community like I was used to."
"On the professional level, it was a great experience practising as a nurse in the UK. I had to unlearn poor practices and learn new skills. I had the opportunity to work with devices and resources that were unavailable in Ghana. Additionally, I had the opportunity to upskill and obtain more knowledge, making me a more competent nurse."
Source: UGC
Winning Nurse of the Year and CNO Silver Award
Reflecting on his nursing career in the UK, Gideon Agbemafle emphasised that the most defining moment was being recognised for the significant impact he has had in his role.
His most notable achievement first came in July 2025 when he was named Nurse of the Year at the Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN) Black Healthcare Awards in London, a testament to his leadership, advocacy, and outstanding contributions to the profession.
On September 1, he also received national recognition for his outstanding service when he was awarded the prestigious Chief Nursing Officer Silver Award, presented by the Chief Nursing Officer of England, making him the first male Ghanaian to receive such an honour.
Source: UGC
"These are very proud moments that stand out for me personally. It puts Ghana on the map and shows the value that anyone, regardless of background, ethnicity, or race, brings to the NHS and the impact they can have under the right conditions. What I love the most about it is how it has inspired others."
Differences between working in Ghana and the UK
Having practised nursing in both Ghana and the UK, Gideon Agbemafle highlighted the differences between working in the two countries.
He pointed out the benefits of working as a nurse in the UK, which included more career development and progression opportunities, better remuneration, availability of equipment and resources to work, free access to most healthcare services, a more supportive environment, and increased opportunities for training and upskilling.
Advice to nurses eager to work in the UK
In offering encouragement to Ghanaian nurses desiring to work in the UK, Gideon emphasised that achieving success as a nurse requires persistence and hard work.
He, however, warned against fraudsters who demand huge sums of money from unsuspecting nurses under the guise of securing them nursing jobs abroad.
"The process requires resilience and dedication. It is possible to travel abroad to the country of your preference, to practice as a healthcare professional and to make an impact. Be wary of fraudsters who might demand huge sums of money and provide little or no help. Be certain that when you leave your current role to travel, you will be ready to start from that rank, irrespective of whether you were a senior nurse in Ghana or not. However, you can always progress and get to higher bands. I’ve done it by God’s grace, and so can you."
Nurse leaves post to work in the UK
In a related story, YEN.com.gh earlier reported that a Ghanaian nurse could not hide his joy after he successfully relocated to the US to continue with his practice.
In a video sighted by YEN.com.gh, Hamza Salifu disclosed that travelling abroad had always been his dream and was delighted when he got the opportunity.
He expressed delight at being in the US and was ready to help improve healthcare delivery in that country.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
