40 years of service: a legacy of compassionate leadership
After four decades in nursing and nearly a decade at Whipps Cross, Zebina steps into retirement, leaving behind a legacy marked by compassion, leadership, and tireless commitment to patient care.
As Director of Nursing at Whipps Cross Hospital since 2016, Zebina describes the role as “the most challenging and rewarding position I have ever held.”
From her early days as a trainee nurse, nervously holding the hand of a dying patient, to leading critical care teams and transforming governance and end-of-life care standards, Zebina’s career has been shaped by opportunity, resilience, and a deep love for the profession.
Her nursing journey took her from an ENT ward to intensive care units and neurosurgery at Atkinson Morley’s, before a 16-year chapter at King’s College Hospital, where she deepened her understanding of the science behind nursing.
At Whipps Cross, Zebina led initiatives that empowered ward managers, improved hospital governance, and enhanced end-of-life care with the introduction of Gold Standard Framework wards and the Namaste programme.
“I’m proud of the team we’ve built, strong, compassionate, and committed to safe, quality care,” Zebina shared. “I will miss the people the most – nurses, doctors, AHPs and managers, all generous, talented individuals.”
As she embarks on retirement, with travel and rest in sight, Zebina leaves behind a clear message to her team: “Keep going, you’re doing amazing work. Focus on quality care and all will be well.”
Dr Amanjit Jhund, chief executive of Whipps Cross Hospital shared:
“Zebina has been an inspiring leader and a compassionate advocate for patients and staff alike. Her contributions to nursing and healthcare at Whipps Cross have set a strong foundation for the future. We thank her deeply and wish her every joy in retirement.”
Shahida Trayling will formally take over the role as director of nursing and governance from 21 June. Prior to this she was deputy chief nurse at North Middlesex University Hospital, a post she held for over four years. Shahida has more than 35 years’ NHS experience both as a nurse and as a midwife, and has worked in Yorkshire, for several London trusts, and at Addenbrooke’s in Cambridge.
Shahida shares: “I’m honoured to join this incredible team at my local hospital and build on the strong work already in place. My goal is to work collaboratively to continue improving patient outcomes and patient experience, empowering our nursing team, and fostering a culture where compassion, kindness, inclusion and high-quality care is at the heart of everything we do.”