Reema D’Souza is the Associate Chief Nurse at Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust, bringing over 20 years of diverse experience in nursing, leadership, and strategic healthcare management. Originally from India, Reema moved to the UK after completing her nursing qualifications and began her career as an Auxiliary Nurse (Health Care Assistant). She has since worked across various acute care settings, progressing through multiple nursing roles.

Reema's expertise encompasses clinical, trust-wide strategic, governance, management, regulatory, legislative, and operational leadership, with experience at regional, national, and international levels. She is a strong advocate for visible leadership, staff empowerment, and effective succession planning, with a commitment to elevating patient care standards.

In pursuit of continuous professional development, Reema has received several accolades, including the university medal for outstanding achievement in her Master’s in Advanced Practice in Cancer Care from Edinburgh Napier University in 2015. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies at Oxford Brookes University to advance her contributions to clinical research and serves as a specialist lecturer there, delivering sessions on Dementia and Clinical Governance.

Reema is actively engaged in promoting diversity and inclusion within the workforce. She co-chaired the BAME Staff Network for two years, helping to shape strategic priorities, support members, create opportunities for professional engagement, and celebrate staff achievements. In addition, she serves as Secretary for BINA (British Indian Nurses Association) and also holds the role of Secretary for AINMD-UK (the Alliance of International Nurses and Midwives Diasporas in the UK), an organisation that supports and represents all internationally educated nurses and midwives’ diasporas across the United Kingdom.

Reema also extends her expertise internationally as a Visiting Professor at a hospital in India, where she supports the development of healthcare professionals and contributes to strengthening the local healthcare system. In addition, she leads an upskilling programme for healthcare staff at a hospital in India in collaboration with the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO), supporting workforce development and clinical capacity building.

Known for her hard work, discipline, tact, and diplomatic skills, Reema is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience. She is deeply committed to inclusivity, teamwork, person-centred care, an open safety culture, and continuous improvement, as reflected in her ongoing pursuit of lifelong learning and professional growth.