Zimbabwean Midwife’s Journey To Leadership In UK Maternity Services

Zimbabwean midwife Natsai Mushaninga is now leading a team as Deputy Ward Manager of the Antenatal and Postnatal Ward at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI), less than two years after moving to the United Kingdom.

Mushaninga’s journey began in her home country of Zimbabwe, where she trained as a midwife.

Mushaninga, known to friends and family as Happiness, said:

“I really wanted to learn about the populations that I was serving and how to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths, which is why I completed an additional degree in Geography and Environmental Studies, as well as a Monitoring and Evaluation Special Honours Postgraduate.”

Mushaninga moved to Doncaster in January 2023 to put her skills into practice and gain a deeper understanding of how maternal and neonatal healthcare functions within a developed health system. She said:

“I’ve been supported by the Trust every step of the way – from finding accommodation and completing bootcamp to registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, to helping me reunite with my family five months later.

“Their support has been incredible, and having my family here has made all the difference.”

Less than a year after starting as a Rotational Midwife, Mushaninga was appointed Deputy Ward Manager of the Antenatal and Postnatal Ward at DRI.

She went on to complete a leadership course offered by the Florence Nightingale Foundation and also participated in the Elevate programme, designed to support ethnic minorities.

Mushaninga now serves as a Cultural Safety Support Champion at DBTH and contributes to both the Decision-Making Council for internationally educated healthcare professionals and the PROMPT faculty, supporting colleagues and students across maternity services.

Reflecting on her journey so far, Mushaninga said:

“When I came here, I didn’t see myself being where I am today, but there are so many opportunities in the NHS.

“My Trust made us aware of them, and I just grabbed every one that came my way.

“I had to be uncomfortable to become comfortable.”