ºÚÁÏÍø

Linda Bailey, Chair of Congress

Linda began her nursing career in 1982. She worked as a staff nurse in acute hospitals, and as a health visitor before moving into Public Health. She retired from the NHS in 2019 having worked as a Consultant in Public Health in Wales for six years. Due to Covid she returned to work in March 2020, retiring again in 2022. She is currently looking for a part time nursing post. 

Since joining the ºÚÁÏÍø in 1987, at various times she has been a steward, branch officer, member of the Agenda Committee, member of the Public Health Forum Steering Committee, Council member for London and Nurse Treasurer of the ºÚÁÏÍø. 

Patience Bamisaye, Vice Chair of Congress

Patience is a registered nurse and senior lecturer, combining her clinical experience with a passion for teaching and research. She possesses a deep understanding of nursing and health issues both in the UK and internationally.

Her journey has been marked by significant challenges, shaping her into a leading voice for systemic change within healthcare. In 2024, she was recognized as a "Gem" at the National BAME Healthcare Awards for her impactful contributions.

Patience has a strong background in people management and is a great team player, making her an excellent Vice Chair of Congress. Patience is recognized for her objectivity, independence of mind, integrity, wisdom, and good judgment.

Her professionalism earns her respect at the highest levels both in the UK and internationally. Patience is deeply passionate about promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in the nursing profession. Patience believes that embracing cultural competence is vital. Patience has hosted educational events on this topic and has authored a book titled "Thriving as an International Student in the UK."

Carmel O'Boyle, Chair of Council

Carmel is a nurse practitioner and has recently completed an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice. Studying for this qualification reinforced Carmel’s passion for nursing as a lifelong journey of continuous improvement with patients at the heart of every action.

Carmel worked for many years as a healthcare assistant, developing a love for care work, using this experience and her pilgrimage to Lourdes as catalysts to pursue her nursing degree. As a registered nurse, she worked in Trauma and Orthopaedics, nursing pre- and post- op patients, supporting them through recovery and discharge. Carmel is an accredited ºÚÁÏÍø Steward and has served as at branch and Board level in the North West. In these roles, she has worked with members to support with trade union and professional matters, organising conferences and events and ensuring members’ voices are heard as individuals and in policymaking. She is committed to valuing and celebrating nursing, striving for excellence in the profession and in the ºÚÁÏÍø.

Carmel is a proud mum to one son, plays the saxophone and drums, and enjoys singing in her church and kitchen – no matter the audience reception. Before working in healthcare, Carmel worked as a licensee and business owner.

Josie Gordon

Josie is a staff nurse working in thoracic surgery and an ºÚÁÏÍø steward. She has been involved in the ºÚÁÏÍø since her first day as a student nurse, and in democratic events organisation for many years before she began her training. Her main professional interests are pre-registration education, developments in surgical nursing, and promoting activism and organising among nursing staff.

Congress is the highlight of Josie's ºÚÁÏÍø calendar; she is keen to support and encourage as many members as possible to take part in whatever ways they can, shape the agendas for future Congresses and ensure a broad range of debate for our members.

Yetunde Ruqoyat Lawal

Biography to follow.

Claire Richardson

Biography to follow.

Dawn Marr

Biography to follow.

Professor Nicola Ranger, General Secretary and Chief Executive

Professor Nicola Ranger joined the ºÚÁÏÍø in December 2022. She was previously Chief Nurse and Executive Director of Midwifery at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London. Before that, she held Chief Nurse posts at both Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust and Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust.

She has also held a number of senior nursing roles at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. Earlier in her career, she worked at America’s George Washington University Hospital in Washington and at Mount Sinai Medical Centre in New York.