It’s the year of the nurse and the Midwife and in addition to celebrating our achievements, I must remember my fellow colleagues who have tragically lost their lives within the last year due to complications around the dreadful, and sometimes terminal effects of Covid-19.

In particular, I would like to pay tribute to my friend and co-worker nurse Oyenachi Obasi, known as Nachi.

There was heartfelt and profound sadness within the nursing and health visiting world locally and nationally, when we learnt of her passing almost a year ago. Nachi was a devoted, committed, dedicated and reliable team member who often went the extra mile to do her best for children and families in Newham.

Using her name as an acronym would further describe her personality:

N – Noble

A – Approachable and Admirable

C – Caring and committed colleague

H – Happy and Hard working

I – Irreplaceable and Improving lives

As the proud recipient of the Nachi legacy award last Dec at the Children’s Health 0-19 and HeadStart Team annual ‘Away Day’, I feel moved to write this tribute in Nachi’s memory.

The Nachi legacy Award- is a special award in recognition of staff who always demonstrate the key values of the service and demonstrates the HEART values in all that they do at work. The values are: Honesty, Equality, Ambition, Respect, Together. These values are aligned to the NHS values and the 6 C’s of nursing: Care, Compassion, Courage, Communication, Commitment and Competence.

Nachi had a bright, cheerful, friendly and welcoming personality. I remember vividly the last moments we spent together. It was at a manager’s farewell get together. She was dressed in beautiful traditional wear, in full swing, jovial, taking over the dance floor and making merry with food and drinks and her culinary skills added spice and flavour to the party. She was having a ball despite not wearing a glass slippers.

I have fond memories of us travelling together to and from work. We shared the joys and challenges of motherhood, the similarities and differences in our culture and the joys and challenges of our work as health visitors. We shared in delicacies from our native country and there were promises of more which unfortunately did not materialise due to her passing.

Some tributes from colleagues:

“Time may pass and fade away but memories of Nachi will always stay, Nachi was always smiling and extremely passionate about putting the needs of families that she worked with first. As a colleague and a friend, she was an asset and her warm nature always put smiles on people’s face. Her gentle nature was infectious making it easy to always turn to her for support.” Jasmine Cudjoe (HV Team Member)

“I can’t believe you have been gone for a year. I am still in disbelief that I will not see you again. As a team we really miss you. I remember you never refuse to take any work to see the children and families. No work was too much for you. May you continue to have peaceful rest. Miss you.” HV Team Member

“Onyenachi used her expertise, knowledge and skill as a Health Visitor to provide professional public health services to individuals, families and communities to enhance health and reduce health inequalities. She is remembered as a wonderful and reliable member of the team, with a friendly and welcoming personality. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with her family, friends and colleagues.” Professor Debra Salmon, Dean of the School of Health Sciences

Nachi would always be remembered within the Children’s Health 0-19 and HeadStart Team in Newham.

Rest in peace dearest Nachi. Long Live your legacy. I will always be committed to make the necessary changes to improve health care.

We send sincerest condolences to your family, friends and colleagues.

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