Celebrating 30 years of South West London and St George’s: Meet Kistnen
This year we are delighted to be celebrating 30 years of South West London and St. George’s!
Our Trust was first established in 1994 as The Pathfinder National Health Service NHS Trust before changing to its current name in 1999. So much more has changed over the past three decades - across our sites and our services, but also in terms of attitudes to mental health and mental illness.
This year we will be celebrating the changing face of South West London and St George’s by sharing the stories of the people who know it best, our colleagues, as we build up to our official birthday on 12 December.
Celebrating 28 years of dedication
Name: Kistnen Kiswah
Position: Community Psychiatric Nurse, Merton OPMH CMHT
Tenure: 1996 – 2024 (28 years)
Kistnen Kiswah has been a devoted member of our Trust for nearly three decades, serving as a Community Psychiatric Nurse within the Merton Older People’s Mental Health (OPMH) Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). His long-standing commitment has been instrumental in supporting the mental well-being of older adults in the community.
Kistnen reflects on some of his most memorable moments since joining our Trust:
Q. What are some of your favourite memories from your time at our Trust?
“Working in the same team for 28 years has been a wonderful experience. Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with my colleagues and clients, which has made my journey truly special.”
Q. What motivates you to continue serving the community after all these years?
“The positive feedback from the clients I’ve worked with keeps me going. Knowing that I’ve been able to make a difference in their lives is incredibly rewarding and motivates me to continue.”
Q. What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in the NHS?
“Settle into your team and persevere. Challenges will come, but overcoming them is part of the journey, and it makes you stronger.”
Q. Who has been the most influential figure in your journey at our Trust, and why?
“The consultants’ psychiatrists have been the most influential figures in my journey, their guidance and expertise have contributed to my professional growth.”
Q. In three words, describe your experience working in the NHS?
“Happy, rewarding and influential.”
