Iolanda Pedrosa, embarked on her nursing journey with a strong educational foundation. She completed her studies in Portugal and participated in the Erasmus programme, which allowed her to spend six months in Romania. This experience broadened her horizons and fuelled her dream of working and living in London. Iolanda then moved to London in 2014 and began her career at the Whittington Health NHS Trust as a Healthcare Assistant while waiting for her registration process with the NMC to be completed. 

Iolanda’s dedication and passion for learning quickly propelled her career forward. She took on additional responsibilities and was appointed as the Deputy Team lead by April of her first year.  

Developing her Skills

Her curiosity about mentorship led her to complete a mentorship course, which was a new concept for her, as it did not exist in Portugal. This course helped her understand the educational culture in the U.K and prepared her to be a better mentor to her colleagues. 

Iolanda’s career continued to evolve as she transitioned to a virtual ward service, where she developed her diagnostic skills. She also pursued non-medical prescribing course and was given the opportunity to work on the University College London Hospital (UCLH) at home service. This role exposed her to different organisational approaches to patient care, performance, and leadership. 

The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges for Iolanda as she had to work remotely from Portugal due to her clinically vulnerable status. Despite these obstacles, she successfully transitioned to a new leadership role and continued to pursue her ambition of completing a Master of Business Administration and a Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship. This further empowered her and highlighted her transferable skills, including her background in finance. 

Becoming a CIO for Whittington Health

Iolanda’s journey took a significant turn when she was appointed as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Whittington Health NHS Trust. She emphasised the importance of having a strong support system, integrating clinical knowledge with technical expertise and worked on optimising the hospital’s infrastructure. Iolanda also focused on mentoring colleagues who wanted to transition from clinical roles to informatics, helping them build confidence and develop their skills. 

As a woman in tech, a non-native English speaker, and someone with a long-term condition, Iolanda faced unique challenges. She used her experiences to empower others and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Iolanda’s journey is a testament to the importance of community support and the value of diverse perspectives in leadership roles. 

Looking to the Future

Looking ahead, Iolanda is excited about making significant changes in her organisation, building her team, and taking on more mentorship roles. She is also preparing to present at Rewired 2025, where she hopes to inspire others with her journey and experiences. Iolanda’s ultimate goal is to ensure that her colleagues know they can achieve their ambitions and that she will be there to support them every step of the way. 

Iolanda’s journey from Portugal to becoming a CIO in London is a remarkable story of resilience, continuous learning, and leadership. Her dedication to her profession, her commitment to mentoring others, and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion make her a true role model in the field of nursing and healthcare technology. 

Next Steps

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