Internationally-educated nurses named as ‘Rising Stars’ for reducing patient waiting times and ‘lighting the path’ for colleagues

A nurse whose clinic has reduced waiting times for patients to be tested and another who runs a support group for overseas colleagues have been named as ‘Rising Stars’.

Mark Mencias’ patients are able to find out faster if their health issues are caused by a rare neurogenetic condition, thanks to his specialist clinic giving them access to genetic tests.

Sumitha Janaky, meanwhile, launched a 24/7 support group for internationally educated nurses - offering pastoral care and help with their physical wellbeing.

Both are worthy winners of London’s Rising Stars of 2024 awards, which are organised by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

Mark, a Neurogenetics Clinical Nurse Specialist based at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, said: “I can’t believe I have won this award. It’s very humbling and is a reminder that I am doing good.

“It’s fabulous working at St George’s and the team is great.”

Sumitha, a Practice Educator in the medicine division, who works at both Epsom and St Helier hospitals, said of her award: “Being given this is a tremendous honour, and winning it feels incredibly validating.

“I’m grateful for the support of my team and everyone who believed in me. This achievement inspires me to keep pushing boundaries and striving for even greater heights.”

Both are internationally-educated nurses, with Mark coming from the Philippines and Sumitha from India.

Mark has such a passion for genetics that after moving to the UK and joining the NHS he gained a Master of Science degree in Genomics.

He established the pioneering nurse-led neurogenetics clinic at St George’s for people living in South London, Surrey and Sussex who need to access genetic testing.

Explaining how the clinic works, Mark said: “We offer genomic testing to patients to find out if there is an inherited cause of their condition. The DNA is read and we analyse the genes related to the patient’s condition.”

“If a genetic disorder has been identified, it can then be managed with any appropriate treatment or supportive care.”

Patients are offered counselling before and after they are tested with continual support irrespective of the result.

In the clinic’s first year more than two thirds of patients have been offered genetic testing.

Mark has also developed an alert tool to make sure patients are offered tests if they were not available during their childhood.

Sumitha’s support group offers a 24/7 service, providing guidance and help so nurses can develop their careers in the NHS. The support - which includes a dedicated WhatsApp group - has been praised for retaining staff once they arrive in the UK.

Sumitha, who has a Master of Science degree in Community Health Nursing and an MBA in Hospital Management, has been described as “a beacon lighting the path of staff and patients” due to her commitment to helping her colleagues.

Sumitha said: “I am deeply committed to promoting a culture of compassion, equality, and inclusion, with a focus on improving the well-being of my colleagues.

“By addressing common issues like isolation and adjustment challenges, I not only support my colleagues but also help create a healthier, more effective environment for providing exceptional patient care.”

Professor Arlene Wellman MBE, Group Chief Nurse for St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group, is the most senior internationally-educated nurse in England.

She said: “I am so proud of Mark and Sumitha, who both show how valuable internationally-educated nurses are to our hospital Group and the NHS.

“International nurses bring a wealth of heritage and an identity to share with patients, staff, visitors and the wider community.

Our Group encourages and supports nurses with their career development, and I look forward to seeing Mark and Sumitha continue to rise.”

The Rising Star awards are given to nurses, midwives, nursing support workers and nursing/midwifery students from the Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic community who have made an outstanding contribution to health and care in London over the past year.

The winners will receive their awards at the RCN’s Black History Month event on Friday 25 October.