Rachel Wakefield

Rachel has served in the NHS for more than two decades. She is currently the Chief Allied Health Professional for the East of England at NHS England, and took a lead role in the mobilisation and transformation of the regions workforce to ensure patient safety during the pandemic.

Rachel has extensive clinical, professional and operational leadership experience within the NHS. She has a clinical background in occupational therapy, with particular expertise in complex physical and mental health rehabilitation with people who are at risk of social exclusion. Rachel has a heart for addressing health inequalities. She has campaigned on women’s equality issues, undertaken research on social inclusion, and is leading nationally recognised work on improving workforce diversity within the NHS.

Rachel recognises the valuable and transferable nature of her NHS leadership experience and wants to use it to improve the lives of people affected by Leprosy. She is both humbled and excited to be part of the Leprosy Mission team.

Rachel worships at a local Anglican church within her community.