Page 32 - QARANC Vol 19 No 2 2021

30 The Gazette QARANC Association
Reflections on the pandemic
Indie Flanagan – ‘the smiliest baby there ever could be!’ with her proud mummy!
Introducing our newest addition!
During the last year the NI Branch has been so fortunate to have been blessed with baby news. Indie Flanagan is the latest addition to the fold and her parents Gemma (NI Branch Member) and Matt could not be prouder of this bundle of absolute smiles.
Having a baby during 2020 and into 2021 has not been the easiest of times as many of us will recall the important early stages for parents and baby of socialisation and cuddles. Gemma and Matt have coped admirably and the result is in the photo. Quote from Gemma: ‘Born in Royal Victoria Maternity Hospital on 08/09/20 weighing 8lb and 57cm, 5 days overdue. Unmedicated birth. Now 10 months old, crawling, talking and up to mischief. Smiliest baby there ever could be!’
Congratulations all!
Kerry McFadden-Newman Secretary
I was born in Dublin on 22 August 1936 and lived in Bailieborough, Co. Cavan until 1947, then moved to Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim. I moved from the Masterson National School there in 1948 to spend six years at Alexandra College, Dublin – for the improvement of my mind, I
think.
I left college in 1954
and spent one year as an
assistant matron, Ancaster
House School, Bexhill-on-
Sea. I could not start nurse
training at The Nightingale
Training School for Nurses,
St. Thomas’ Hospital until
I had reached the required
age of discretion – 19. I had a very stimulating four years in training, that is three years to State Registration followed by one year intensive study and clinical experience on a programme planned by the Principal Tutor and the DeanoftheMedicalSchoolwithwritten andoralexamsdevisedbythemallto obtain the Hospital Certificate and the Nightingale School badge.
Following marriage my career in nursing in Northern Ireland has been professionally and structurally interesting. It was a time of immense change in medical diagnosis and technology, prescription, treatment running alongside developments in nursing practice, care and changing therapeutic roles.
When working as Sister Transplant in Belfast City Hospital Renal Unit, and during surgery, the consultant anaesthetist, who was CO 204(NI) General Hospital RAMC(V) would pass some tedium by ‘waxing lyrical’ about ‘204’ – ‘the old drip on a stone’ technique! He finally got a result and I was commissioned in November 1971. He got a second bite of the
cherry when my eldest daughter was commissioned into the RAMC(V) when a 5th year medical student. My other two daughters decided they were happier sitting on the fence!
Altogether it was an immensely interesting part of life and although it is said that ‘comparisons are odious’ nothing could be further from the truth. Each service has so much to teach in terms of approaches to patient care in such differing environs – Ebola and Sierra Leone come to mind. Leadership has an immense influence on practice and care, remembering that those of an alien nation receiving care need greater understanding in
management and in adaptability. There is also greater opportunity to meet with colleagues at many informative courses – developing advanced clinical skills and management styles; also social occasions, especially in Northern Ireland where we would enjoy time with colleagues in the Duke of Connaught
Unit.
I was particularly privileged in 1986,
to be appointed Honorary Nurse to Her Majesty The Queen – QHN. I was even more privileged to be advised of the Honour by Brigadier Rita Hennessy when she was on an official visit to NI.
Reflections, sometimes referred to as reminiscence therapy, can be good for the soul, more so in the present pandemic climate, but we must be so proud, grateful and supportive of all our nursing colleagues in the many spheres of service, hospital and community, as they provide care to all those needing much care, love and understanding.
Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Joan Thompson (nee Ennis) RRC OBE TD
Reflections, sometimes referred to as reminiscence therapy, can be good for the soul