Page 13 - QARANC Vol 15 No 2 2017

Royal College of Nursing Northern Ireland
Nurse of the Year Awards – 2017
On Thursday 8 June 2017 Col Mark Sheridan, Commanding Officer 204 (North Irish) Field Hospital and myself had the pleasure of attending the Royal College of Nursing Nurse of the Year Awards 2017 held in the Culloden Estate just outside of Belfast. This annual event is held to recognise the best and brightest talents in the Northern Irish nursing family. These awards ensure that these individuals are both recognised and rewarded for their work which raises the standard of nursing practice and health in Northern Ireland. For the second year running 38 (North Irish) Brigade in conjunction with the Reserve Force and Cadet Association have sponsored a Defence Medical Services award as part of this event for outstanding nursing contribution in the Reserve Services which is presented alongside the civilian awards.
This spectacular event kicked off with a champagne reception in the main foyer overlooking Belfast Lough before moving to the Stuart Suite for a delicious 5 course meal. The compere for the night was local celebrity television presenter, Clare McColm which added to the glamour and style of the evening. With each presentation the tension was mounting between the Reserve Forces candidates around the table. Nominations had been invited from 204 (North Irish) Field Hospital, 253(North Irish) Medical Regiment, HMS Hibernia (Royal Naval Reserve) and 502 (Ulster) Squadron (Royal Auxiliary Airforce) but after reading all nominations it was announced that Lt Col Joy McGrath, OC Clinical 204 Fd Hosp was this year’s RCN Defence Nursing Reservist of the Year 2017.
Lt Col McGrath was nominated for her ‘exemplary standards of clinical practice and education’, ‘credibility that gives her an excellent base for the large assurance and governance portfolio she skilfully manages’ and for her ‘outstanding contribution to both the Army Medical Services and the HSC Trust she serves’. Lt Col McGrath has worked tirelessly for 204 Fd Hosp and it was fabulous to witness her delight when she was presented with her prize by Lt Col Kevin Thomas 38 Bde HQ.
The night only improved from there when Janice Smyth,
Director of RCN NI, announced that the judging panel were unable to decide between two other candidates for the runner- up prize so they awarded joint runner-up to Maj Angela Gregg and Maj Gina Dickson, both members of 204 Fd Hosp who have made a significant contribution to the clinical education and training in the Unit. The winner and runners-up received prize money for own personal use and a piece of engraved glass work.
The evening came to a close with Charlotte McArdle, Chief Nursing Officer for Northern Ireland, presenting the overall winner of RCN Nurse of the Year 2017 and congratulating all the candidates for their motivation, innovation and dedication to the Nursing profession. The Commanding Officer and I were extremely proud to sit alongside our military and civilian colleagues in Mess dress and highlight the Army Medical Services to a wider audience of healthcare professionals. A fantastic evening which truly celebrated nursing.
Lt Col Amanda Byers OCN 204 Fd Hosp
Janice Smyth - RCN Director NI, Lt Col Joy McGrath Winner Defence Nurse Reserve Award, Lt Col Kevin Thomas 38X
THE GAZETTE QARANC 11