Page 29 - QARANC Vol 16 No 2 2018

THE GAZETTE QARANC 27
assisted US and NATO troops in a role 2 enhanced forward hospital and was awarded the Commanders Medal of Excellence for leading the trauma team and for displaying high standards of clinical practice.
Corporal Finnegan was described at the awards as dynamic, knowledgeable and a thoroughly competent emergency care nurse who is motivated and reliable and has a real talent to encourage and motivate others.
The third award was presented to Honorary Colonel of 204 Field Hospital, Professor Martin Bradley MBE, who received the RCN Outstanding Achievement award, sponsored by the NI Practice and Education Council for Nursing and Midwifery, and is awarded to the nurse who has made an outstanding contribution to nursing in Northern Ireland.
Professor Martin was recognised for his relentless passion for nursing and the development of nursing practice throughout Northern Ireland as well as the UK and Eire. He was commended for his ability to innovate nursing from the bedside to the boardroom as well as his ability to recognise an opportunity in nursing in the wider health and social care environment. A strategist, reformer and moderniser of nurse education and acute and mental health services, Professor Bradley, throughout his career, has continually expanded his scope of influence.
Additionally, throughout his career he has provided services in a voluntary capacity to the more disadvantaged in society, including services to people with AIDS at a time when the condition was poorly understood and those with the condition were shunned.
Professor Bradley continues to serve, selflessly and with commitment and conviction, patients, members of the nursing profession, and society in a range of different roles.
The evening concluded with some words from Janet Davies, General Secretary RCN UK, and Fiona Devlin, RCN NI Board Chair, closed the evening by reminding all present that even though they found themselves in the midst of a political vacuum, nurses in Northern Ireland have demonstrated how they can still lead the way in delivering high quality, innovative and person-centred care.
Major Gaby Smith
204 Field Hospital, Belfast
Please note this article has been
edited – Ed
Lieutenant Colonel Chris Clarke, CO 253 Med Regt, Captain Nicola Dunlop receiving the RCN Defence Nurse of the year award, Janice Smyth, Director RCN NI
Corporal Chris Finnegan (centre) receiving RCN Defence Nurse of the Year runner-up award
Fiona Devlin, Chair RCN NI, Honorary Colonel Professor Martin Bradley receiving the RCN NI Outstanding Achievement award, Carol Curran