Staff Spotlight: Rasaq's Journey as an Inpatient Matron
We had the opportunity to interview Rasaq Owolewa, an Inpatient Matron who has significantly contributed to clinical excellence and staff well-being at our Trust.
Role and Responsibilities
Rasaq’s role as an Inpatient Matron encompasses various crucial aspects of clinical leadership. His responsibilities include overseeing patient care, ensuring high standards, and promoting evidence-based practices.
"Supporting staff development through training, mentoring, and continuous learning is a key part of my role" Rasaq explains.
I foster a positive work environment by promoting teamwork, collaboration, and staff morale.
His commitment to listening to service users, seeking their feedback, and addressing their concerns can often lead to better experiences and positive outcomes for our service users.
In addition to these duties, Rasaq is deeply involved in clinical audit and quality improvement, continuously monitoring and improving clinical practices to ensure better patient outcomes. Risk management is another critical area where he identifies and mitigates risks such as infection control and medication safety.
Memorable Moments and Experiences
Rasaq reflects on the unique aspects of being a mental health nurse, which often defy common stereotypes.
Working on an acute ward, Rasaq cares for individuals with severe mental health conditions such as psychosis, schizophrenia, personality disorders, depression, and bipolar disorder. Some patients are admitted under legal provisions of the Mental Health Act, while others are informal and have the freedom to come and go.
"Mental health nursing isn’t just about restraining patients or administering medications. It’s about empathy, understanding, and fostering hope," Rasaq explains. He takes pride in seeing patients improve and achieve an optimum level of functioning.
Reflections on Patient Care
In the quieter moments, Rasaq finds time to sit with patients and listen to their stories. "I see their humanity—their dreams, fears, and struggles. And I’m reminded that healing isn’t just about medication; it’s about connection and compassion," he reflects. These interactions reinforce the holistic approach to care that Rasaq champions.
"Being part of South London and Maudsley and making a positive impact on people’s lives through healthcare, education, or other services is deeply fulfilling," he says.
Knowing that my work contributes to progress and positive transformation is rewarding.
Supporting Patients and Families
Rasaq plays a pivotal role in improving the quality of patient care through visible, inclusive leadership and active engagement with patients and their families. As a role model, he takes a proactive approach to enhancing patient experiences and reducing health inequalities by listening attentively to patients and their carers, identifying areas for improvement, and advocating for necessary changes.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of Rasaq's role is the opportunity to influence service delivery and enhance patient outcomes. "Tackling complex challenges, finding solutions, and implementing innovative practices is intellectually stimulating" he shares. This dynamic aspect of his role drives him to continually strive for positive change within the Trust.
If you are inspired by Rasaq's story and want to learn more about the roles and opportunities at the Trust, visit our careers page for more information.
