ANGLIA Ruskin’s role as a centre for the training of nurses and midwives has been further enhanced by a major award presented to one of its graduate nurses.

Aisha Gaido, 31, who now works at Broomfield Hospital, won the Student Leader of the Year prize at the Quality in Education and Training Awards, organised by Health Education, East of England.

Aisha, who graduated with a BSc (Hons) nursing degree earlier this month, spent September volunteering in Tanzania, both in a local hospital and at a rural Maasai clinic. Her main objective was looking into issues associated with female genital mutilation.

Aisha said: “My vision is always to enhance humanity where and how I can. Every day, I see potential to do good and improve the goodness in all.

“I see inspiring examples of leadership within the NHS that make me want to be a better version of myself. I hope I can continue to learn and empower others as a fully registered nurse.”

It is not the first time Aisha’s achievements have been recognised. In the 2014 Scholarships Awards, a national competition run by the Cavell Nurses Trust, she won a £2,000 scholarship which she used to further her studies in Ghana.

Professor Ruth Taylor, dean of the faculty of health, social care and education, said: “Aisha was an exceptional student throughout her time at Anglia Ruskin and her success in this prestigious award is well deserved.

“As one of the largest providers of nursing and midwifery education in the region, our education has a strong focus on the development of our students’ leadership skills.

“We want to ensure they can prepare effectively in an evolving healthcare environment as caring and compassionate leaders. I am sure Aisha has a fantastic career ahead of her.”
Aisha will collect her prize at the NHS Leadership Recognition Awards, which will be held in London on November 26.

Although it has only offered nursing degrees for 25 years – far less than many other established centres – Anglia Ruskin has steadily moved up the annual ratings published by the professional body, the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

In 2014 it in the top ten nurse training facilities in the UK.