Wigan healthcare leader says it is an 'absolute honour' to be shortlisted for three major awards

A healthcare leader at Wigan’s hospitals is celebrating after being named as a finalist across three categories in two major national healthcare awards.

​Gideon Agbemafle, global majority practice development nurse at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL), has been shortlisted for Trailblazer in Inclusion Excellence at the National BAME Health and Care Awards.

And he is in the running for double success at the Nursing Times Workforce Awards, where he has been shortlisted for both Diversity and Inclusion Champion of the Year and Internationally Educated Nurse of the Year.

The nominations highlight Mr Agbemafle’s dedication to advocating for equality, representation and inclusion across WWL’s workforce, and his leadership reflects WWL’s focus on excellence, innovation and inclusive care.

He said: "To be recognised in these categories is an absolute honour and means more than I can put into words. As a nurse and an internationally educated professional, I know how important representation, inclusion, belonging and opportunity are within healthcare. These nominations are not just a personal achievement, they are a reflection of the importance of creating workplaces where everyone feels valued, heard and empowered to thrive.

​"I'm proud of the journey so far, proud of the difference we can make, and motivated to keep championing diversity, inclusion and equality in healthcare."

Over the past five years at WWL, Mr Agbemafle has championed systemic change to improve access to career progression, funding opportunities and leadership development for staff across nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals.

Last year he was crowned Nurse of The Year at the Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN) Black Healthcare Awards.

​Chief nursing officer Kev Parker-Evans said: "We are extraordinarily proud of Gideon and these well-deserved recognitions. The vital work Gideon leads is instrumental in breaking down barriers, ensuring fair opportunities and elevating representation across our teams.

“Creating an inclusive environment where all colleagues feel supported, heard and empowered is crucial to delivering high-quality healthcare. Gideon’s leadership continues to make a transformative impact, and we could not be prouder to see that dedication recognised nationally."

​The award winners will be announced at ceremony events later this year.