Miss Ruth Oki
Ruth Oki completed a Diploma in Adult Nursing at City University and then worked as a Cardiothoracic Nurse for about six months prior to acquiring a BSC in Midwifery from Kingston University. Although she holds dual qualifications, her current substantive post is a Safeguarding Specialist Midwife whose role includes working as an effective team player whilst providing leadership and guidance for over 200 Midwives involved in the care of Very Vulnerable Families with multifaceted psychosocial issues.
Ruth enjoys facilitating the monthly mandatory Level 3 Safeguarding Training for Midwives and healthcare assistants. She also participates in the delivery of safeguarding supervision sessions to prevent professional isolation but the ultimate goal is to improve the children's daily lived experience.
Over the past two years, another key duty is to chair the mandatory monthly safeguarding meeting with external agencies like Social Services, HV and Psychiatric Nurses in attendance. This meeting assists with the effective management of complex safeguarding cases especially extreme instances where newborn babies have to be separated from their mothers as an immediate safety measure.
Ruth's first experience of a senior role was a six month acting Specialist Midwife for sexual health and infectious diseases post. Similarly, in order to effectively co-ordinate the care of women living with HIV or Hepatitis B compounded by poor compliance and other complex psychosocial issues, regular meetings with members of the Multi-disciplinary Team was crucial.
As an advocate for Very Vulnerable Women and Children who do not have a voice, Ruth's passion shines through in her desire for excellence and dedication. She also works with agencies who help to build the self esteem of women fleeing very abusive relationships.
Reason for applying for the scheme
Ruth is quite passionate about the delivery of excellent care to optimise outcomes for patients especially in a wealthy country like the UK. Hence, the constant quest for knowledge which is why she believes that a programme like this will only help to unleash innate leadership qualities which is required for the future of the NHS in the 21st century.
The recent unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic only emphasised the importance of sound leadership at all levels including Student Midwives who had to be innovative and proactive to ensure that their training did not suffer major setbacks. Moreover, there is a growing body of evidence that shows that early exposure to leadership and management will help to identify not only the best clinicians but health managers who are resourceful because they thoroughly understand the intersection between health and politics.
Ruth is therefore keen to explore various leadership modules that would move her career into the next phase where holding strategic positions could only translate to the best outcomes for clients/patients accessing healthcare for generations to come.
