My name is Francesca Acquah. I was born and raised in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and moved to the UK at the age of 17. That move marked the beginning of endless possibilities and a professional journey that has now spanned 26 years — a journey defined by dedication, growth, leadership, and an unwavering passion for women’s health.
From early on in my training, I knew that working with women, particularly within gynaecology, was where my heart lay. I began my NHS career as a D Grade Nurse at Whipps Cross Hospital, where I developed strong foundational clinical skills and a deep appreciation for compassionate bedside care. I then progressed to an E Grade Nurse position at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, expanding my expertise and confidence in managing complex gynaecological conditions.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I transitioned into contract nursing to help address urgent staffing shortages. This period was both challenging and rewarding. I then secured a Band 7 community contract supervising a large COVID Vaccination Centre in Walsall. Leading a high-volume vaccination programme required strategic planning, team coordination, patient education, and maintaining morale during unprecedented times.
In 2019, after two decades in the NHS, I made the courageous decision to step outside my comfort zone and explore broader areas of nursing. I spent a year undertaking agency nursing, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It allowed me to widen my clinical exposure, adapt to diverse healthcare settings, strengthen my decision-making skills, and grow in confidence as a well-rounded General Nurse. The experience sharpened my adaptability and reinforced my resilience.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I transitioned into contract nursing to help address urgent staffing shortages. This period was both challenging and rewarding. I then secured a Band 7 community contract supervising a large COVID Vaccination Centre in Walsall. Leading a high-volume vaccination programme required strategic planning, team coordination, patient education, and maintaining morale during unprecedented times.
Soon after, I was given the opportunity to set up and lead another vaccination centre in Wolverhampton as a Community Matron (Band 8). This role was particularly meaningful because it involved serving my local community. I was responsible not only for operational leadership but also for health promotion initiatives, engaging with local media, collaborating with the Council, GPs, and community leaders to address vaccine hesitancy and improve uptake. It was a privilege to combine clinical leadership with public health advocacy and community engagement.
I then took on a new contract in South Wales as a Night Nurse Practitioner, further enhancing my advanced assessment skills, autonomous practice, and clinical decision-making in high-pressure environments.
Despite the growth and diverse leadership opportunities I experienced, my passion for gynaecology never faded. The desire to return to women’s health remained strong. In December 2023, I joined the HealthHarmonie team, reconnecting with the specialty that first inspired my career. Returning to gynaecology feels like coming home — bringing with me decades of clinical expertise, leadership experience, and a broader understanding of healthcare systems. HealthHarmonie has also enabled me to acquire new skills as an OPH nurse of which I am thoroughly enjoying.
Throughout my 26-year career, I have remained committed to compassionate care, patient advocacy, emotional support, continuous learning, and empowering women to make informed decisions about their health. My journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and a deep-rooted calling to serve — not only as a nurse but as a productive & valued member within my community.
