FOLASADE AKINOLA
London
Summary
Experienced Deputy Ward Manager and Registered Mental Health Nurse with over 20 years’ experience delivering and leading mental health services across NHS trusts, forensic settings, and agency environments. Proven ability to support ward leadership through staff supervision, rota management, clinical governance, and maintaining safe, effective patient care. Strong background in managing risk, overseeing multidisciplinary working, supporting junior staff development, and contributing to service improvement initiatives. Resilient, organised, and confident in balancing operational demands with high clinical standards in fast-paced and complex care settings.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Deputy Ward Manager
Central & North West London (CNWL) NHS Trust
London
01.2024 - 01.2026
- Support the Ward Manager in the day-to-day operational management of an acute mental health ward.
- Provide clinical leadership to nursing staff, ensuring high standards of patient care, safety, and dignity.
- Coordinate staff rotas, manage staffing levels, and support sickness and absence management.
- Supervise and mentor registered nurses, healthcare assistants, and students, promoting professional development.
- Ensure compliance with NHS policies, CQC standards, and safeguarding procedures.
- Lead on incident reporting, risk assessments, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Act as nurse-in-charge when required, overseeing clinical decision-making and patient flow.
Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
Trust Nurse Services Agency
London
01.2018 - 01.2024
- Delivered high-quality mental health nursing care across a range of NHS inpatient and community settings.
- Conducted comprehensive mental health assessments, care planning, and risk management.
- Administered medication safely and monitored therapeutic effectiveness.
- Worked collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams including psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation in high-risk situations.
- Maintained accurate clinical documentation in line with professional and legal standards.
Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
NHS Professionals
London
01.2017 - 01.2023
- Provided flexible nursing cover across acute wards, PICU, and specialist mental health services.
- Supported patients with complex mental health needs, including those detained under the Mental Health Act.
- Promoted recovery-focused care and patient involvement in treatment planning.
- Ensured continuity of care during short-term and long-term staff shortages.
- Maintained compliance with NHS clinical governance and infection control standards.
Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
TFS Healthcare Agency
London
01.2017 - 01.2022
- Worked in fast-paced inpatient mental health environments requiring adaptability and strong clinical judgement.
- Managed challenging behaviours using trauma-informed and least-restrictive approaches.
- Liaised effectively with ward managers and senior clinicians to ensure safe service delivery.
- Provided mentorship and informal supervision to junior staff during shifts.
Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
Emergency Personnel Agency
London
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Delivered mental health nursing care across multiple NHS trusts and clinical settings.
- Conducted risk assessments and supported patients experiencing acute mental health crises.
- Ensured high standards of record keeping and adherence to local trust protocols.
- Built strong working relationships quickly within new teams and environments.
Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
Camden & Islington NHS Trust – HMP Pentonville Prison
London
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Provided specialist mental health care within a custodial environment.
- Assessed and managed patients with complex mental health and forensic needs.
- Worked closely with prison staff to ensure safety, confidentiality, and continuity of care.
- Supported patients through transfer, discharge planning, and community reintegration.
Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
Camden & Islington NHS Trust (Bank Staff)
London
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Provided bank nursing cover across inpatient and community mental health services.
- Supported permanent teams with safe staffing and continuity of care.
- Maintained flexibility while delivering consistent, patient-centred care.
Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
Camden & Islington NHS Trust
London
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Delivered direct mental health nursing care to service users in inpatient settings.
- Assisted with care planning, medication administration, and therapeutic engagement.
- Worked collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to support recovery outcomes.
Health Care Assistant
St Ann’s Hospital
London
01.2002 - 01.2007
- Supported registered nurses in delivering daily patient care.
- Assisted patients with personal care, mobility, and activities of daily living.
- Observed and reported changes in patient behaviour or physical health.
- Maintained a safe, clean, and therapeutic ward environment.
Health Care Assistant
Sarah Tanko Nursing Home
London
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Provided compassionate care to elderly residents, supporting physical and emotional wellbeing.
- Assisted with personal care, feeding, and mobility support.
- Worked closely with nursing staff and families to ensure continuity of care.
Care Assistant
Compass Catering
London
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Supported service users with daily living tasks in a care setting.
- Promoted dignity, independence, and respect at all times.
- Developed strong communication and interpersonal skills while working in a team-based environment.
Education
BSc - Mental Health Nursing
City & Islington College
London, UK 01.2004 - 01.2007
Access to Nursing - undefined
City London
London, UK 01.2003 - 01.2004
Caring Course - undefined
City & Islington College
London, UK 01.2002 - 01.2003
Skills
- Clinical leadership
- Risk management
- Ward management
- Staff supervision
- Communication skills
- Safeguarding
Timeline
Deputy Ward Manager
Central & North West London (CNWL) NHS Trust
01.2024 - 01.2026
Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
Trust Nurse Services Agency
01.2018 - 01.2024
Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
NHS Professionals
01.2017 - 01.2023
Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
TFS Healthcare Agency
01.2017 - 01.2022
Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
Emergency Personnel Agency
01.2014 - 01.2017
Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
Camden & Islington NHS Trust – HMP Pentonville Prison
01.2014 - 01.2016
Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
Camden & Islington NHS Trust (Bank Staff)
01.2009 - 01.2013
Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
Camden & Islington NHS Trust
01.2007 - 01.2009
BSc - Mental Health Nursing
City & Islington College
01.2004 - 01.2007
Access to Nursing - undefined
City London
01.2003 - 01.2004
Health Care Assistant
St Ann’s Hospital
01.2002 - 01.2007
Caring Course - undefined
City & Islington College
01.2002 - 01.2003
Health Care Assistant
Sarah Tanko Nursing Home
01.2000 - 01.2002
Care Assistant
Compass Catering
01.1998 - 01.2000