Trust staff among Rising Star Awards winners
Leo Andrew Almerol and Marlon Simbajon, from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, have been named among the winners of the Rising Star Awards 2023.The awards, run by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) London as part of their Black History Month celebrations, recognise nurses and healthcare support workers from London’s Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic nursing community who have made an outstanding contribution to the capital’s health and care system.
Leo is a vascular access clinical nurse specialist and Marlon is a practice education facilitator for international nurses. Leo trained in the Philippines and started his nursing career 12 years ago. Eight of these years have been spent in the UK, including four as a vascular access specialist. He was nominated for his commitment to delivering safe and compassionate care, and how his positivity has helped countless patients. Leo has been praised for his collaborative spirit, his willingness to share knowledge and best practice, and his dedication to continuous learning and professional growth.
Leo said: “It is an honour to be recognised as one of RCN London’s Rising Stars. As a nurse from the Philippines, I hope my award shows other nurses from abroad that our contribution does matter and that we are valued members of London’s nursing community.”
Marlon, a practice education facilitator for international nurses, has been working in nursing for almost 15 years. He came to the UK from the Philippines in 2012 and is passionate about giving back to international nurses and seeing how they progress in their careers. Marlon was nominated for being a champion of international nurses and has been described as an advocate, mentor, and role model.
Marlon said: “I’m grateful and humbled to win this award, alongside Leo and colleagues working in similar roles in the capital. I’m really passionate about what I do and love seeing my colleagues flourish. It means a lot for this to be recognised publicly .”
Professor Janice Sigsworth, director of nursing at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust said: “Huge well done to Leo and Marlon for being among the winners of this year’s Rising Star Awards.
“I’m continually impressed by the passion and commitment of our nurses and healthcare support workers. It’s brilliant to see Leo and Marlon’s significant contributions over many years being publicly recognised, particularly their support for colleagues and excellent care for patients.
“These awards are part of RCN London’s Black History Month celebrations. I’d encourage everyone to get involved in the month, including the various events being run for staff at Imperial College Healthcare.”
