Meet Lucy Kiprop - Nurse of the year 2026

From graduating as the valedictorian of her nursing class in Kenya to being named Nurse of the Year 2026 at Ashford & St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Lucy Kiprop has built a career defined by excellence, compassion, and a commitment to holistic patient care. Currently working within stroke services, Lucy has become a passionate advocate for integrating mental health support into physical healthcare, recognising the profound psychological impact that illness can have on patients and their families. Following her recent graduation with a Distinction in MSc Mental Health Nursing, she continues to champion person-centred care, professional development, and service improvement. In this interview, Lucy reflects on her nursing journey, the inspiration behind her focus on mental health, and her ambitions for advancing patient care and mental health nursing in the years ahead.

1. Could you start by telling us a little about your professional background and what inspired you to focus on mental health nursing? 

My nursing journey began in Kenya, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours) in 2018 as the valedictorian of my graduating class. During my undergraduate training, we studied psychiatry and mental health nursing, which sparked my interest in understanding the relationship between mental wellbeing and overall health. My undergraduate research focused on the prevalence of depression, and the findings were both eye-opening and thought-provoking. They highlighted the significant impact of mental health conditions on individuals, families, and communities, leaving me with a lasting interest in the field of mental health. 

In March 2022, I moved to the United Kingdom and joined Ashford & St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as a Band 5 Adult Registered Nurse in the Stroke Medicine Unit. Working with stroke survivors has been incredibly rewarding, but it also exposed me to the often-overlooked psychological impact of stroke. Many patients experienced depression, anxiety, loss of independence, and uncertainty about their future. While excellent attention was given to physical rehabilitation, I observed gaps in the recognition and management of mental health challenges following a stroke. Seeing patients feel vulnerable, helpless, and isolated during their recovery strengthened my conviction that mental health care must be integrated into every aspect of healthcare delivery. 

Motivated by these experiences and my longstanding interest in mental health, I enrolled in the MSc Mental Health Nursing programme with iHeed in September 2022. The programme allowed me to deepen my understanding of mental health care while continuing to work clinically, and I graduated with Distinction in November 2025. The knowledge, skills, and perspectives I gained have further reinforced my commitment to delivering holistic, person-centred care that addresses both physical and psychological wellbeing. 

What inspires me most about mental health nursing is the opportunity to advocate for people when they are at their most vulnerable, help them find hope and resilience, and ensure that their mental health needs are recognised and addressed with the same importance as their physical health. My journey—from Kenya, where my interest in mental health first began, to the UK, where I witnessed the profound emotional impact of physical illness—has shaped my passion for advancing mental health care and improving outcomes for those I serve. 

2. Congratulations on your recent award – can you tell us about why you were nominated and what this means for you? 

Thank you. I was incredibly honoured and humbled to be recognised as Nurse of the Year 2026 at the Pride in Nursing & Midwifery Celebrations at Ashford & St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. 

The Trust's nomination read: 

"Lucy Kiprop consistently demonstrates clinical expertise, compassion & leadership in her nursing practice. She delivers patient-centred care of the highest standard, often going beyond her duties to ensure safety, dignity and comfort for every patient. Lucy actively mentors colleagues, contributes to service improvements, and remains calm and decisive in high-pressure situations. Her commitment to continuous learning and evidence-based practice has led to measurable improvements in patient outcomes. She embodies professionalism, empathy, and resilience, making her an outstanding and deserving candidate for Nurse of the Year." 

Reading those words was both humbling and inspiring. This recognition means a great deal to me because it reflects the trust and appreciation of the colleagues and leaders I work alongside every day. It motivates me to continue striving for excellence, supporting others, and delivering compassionate, high-quality care to every patient I have the privilege to serve.  

3. You recently graduated with an MSc Mental Health Care: Nursing. How did the MSc enhance your knowledge or approach to patient care 

Completing my MSc in Mental Health Nursing significantly deepened my understanding of evidence-based practice and the importance of integrating mental health care into all areas of healthcare delivery. It strengthened my ability to assess patients holistically, considering not only their physical condition but also their psychological, emotional, and social needs. 

The programme enhanced my confidence in applying research to practice, improving my critical thinking, and making more informed clinical decisions. It also reinforced the value of trauma-informed, recovery-focused care and the importance of effective communication and therapeutic relationships in supporting patient wellbeing. 

Overall, the MSc has made me a more reflective and confident practitioner, enabling me to provide more holistic, compassionate, and patient-centred care in my daily practice. 

4. Were there particular insights or skills from the programme that you applied directly in your practice? 

Absolutely. One of the most valuable aspects of the programme was the emphasis on holistic, person-centred care and the importance of viewing patients beyond their physical diagnosis. The knowledge I gained enhanced my ability to recognise and address the psychological and emotional needs of patients, particularly in my work within stroke services, where many individuals experience anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, and a loss of confidence following a life-changing diagnosis. 

The programme also strengthened my critical thinking, leadership, and evidence-based practice skills. I became more confident in evaluating research, applying evidence to clinical decision-making, and advocating for improvements in patient care. These skills have helped me contribute more effectively to multidisciplinary discussions and ensure that mental health considerations are included in care planning. 

Perhaps most importantly, the programme reinforced the importance of compassionate communication, active listening, and patient advocacy. These are skills I apply every day and which have enabled me to provide more holistic support to patients and their families during some of their most challenging moments. 

5. How do you hope your work inspires other nurses or healthcare professionals? 

I hope my journey demonstrates the value of holistic, person-centred care and the importance of recognising mental health as an integral part of overall wellbeing. Working in acute settings such as stroke care has shown me how often psychological needs can be overlooked, and I hope my practice encourages other nurses and healthcare professionals to pause and consider the emotional impact of illness, not just the physical diagnosis. 

I also hope my path inspires colleagues—particularly internationally educated nurses and those considering further study—to see that progression and transformation are possible through dedication, resilience, and continuous learning. Moving from Kenya to the UK, balancing clinical practice with postgraduate study, and pursuing a specialism in mental health has shown me that growth is achievable even in demanding circumstances. 

More broadly, I hope my work encourages others to advocate for patients, support colleagues, and contribute to positive change within their teams, even in small but meaningful ways. Every conversation, every moment of listening, and every act of advocacy can make a real difference to a patient’s experience and recovery.What advice would you give to nurses aspiring to innovate in mental health care? 

6. Looking ahead, what are your next goals for improving your patients’ care or advancing mental health care nursing? 

Looking ahead, I remain committed to strengthening the integration of mental health care within acute settings, particularly in stroke services, by ensuring psychological needs are identified and addressed alongside physical recovery. 

I also aim to continue developing my leadership and quality improvement skills to contribute to service development, staff education, and the promotion of trauma-informed care. 

In the longer term, I am keen to pursue a PhD in Nursing focusing on mental health, with the goal of contributing to research that improves understanding of the psychological impact of physical illness and informs better patient care