Laura Murphy, Lead nurse for mental health

Having joined UCLH in January 2026 and bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience, Laura is working to improve health outcomes for patients with mental illness, whose physical health needs can often be missed, delayed, or treated differently.

What is the purpose of your role?

Lead nurse for mental health is a new role at UCLH and it exists for one simple reason: there is no health without mental health.

We know from evidence that people living with mental illness experience poorer physical health outcomes and often die younger. This is not because of their diagnosis alone but because their physical health needs are often missed, delayed, or treated differently.

At its heart, the role is about helping teams feel confident caring for patients with complex, comorbid physical and mental health conditions.

What does your job involve day to day?

I like to start the day with a coffee and a mindful moment before things get busy. A lot of my time is currently focused on reviewing the UCLH mental health strategy, which means engaging with key stakeholders across UCLH. I always try to get out clinically to support teams with complex cases. I’ll meet with matrons and directors of nursing to discuss incidents, complaints and safeguarding concerns.

I also spend time linking in with the psychiatric liaison team and our wider mental health partners to support timely care for patients waiting for mental health input. I do try to protect time for a proper lunch break to pause and reflect to be a positive role model. No two days ever look the same, which is one of the things I love about the role.

How did you become lead nurse for mental health?

I originally trained as a dental nurse. While working in dentistry, I became particularly interested in the oral health of people living with bulimia nervosa, as well as patients who required facial reconstruction or prosthetics following mouth cancer. I began to see the strong connection between physical and mental health and how often the two were treated separately.

Wanting to support patients more holistically, I trained as a registered mental health nurse (RMN). Since then, I’ve worked across a range of NHS settings, including acute mental health wards, crisis services and psychiatric liaison teams, and as an advanced clinical practitioner in adult acute services. Before joining UCLH, I worked as a consultant nurse for eating disorders.

Best part of the job?

Spending time with patients is a real privilege. Being a champion for diversity and progressive, inclusive nursing practice is a big part of what drives me.

I care deeply about advocating for people whose voices aren’t always heard and pushing for change where systems don’t yet work equitably for everyone. I also enjoy research and development, using evidence to improve practice and shape better, more equitable care for the future.

What skills do you need?

Being a registered nurse is essential, of course (extra points if you are dual qualified, an advanced clinical practitioner, or practice at consultant level) but beyond that, the most important skills are kindness and compassion. So much of this role is about understanding people, building trust, and seeing the person behind the situation.

Being curious and reflective really matters too and being willing to ask: “how can we do this better?’’. A clear commitment to equity, inclusion and person-centred care underpins everything. And finally, a good sense of humour to help navigate the tough days.