Page 54 - QARANC Vol 15 No 1 2017

52 QARANC THE GAZETTE
Lt Col (Retd) Pamela McMillen TD 1944–2016
It is with much sadness that we announce the death of Lt Col (Retd) Pamela McMillen TD.
Pam was born in County Sligo and is survived by her brother and two sisters.
Nursing was Pam’s Chosen career and she commenced her training in The Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, qualifying as a registered nurse in 1966 and working as a Staff Nurse in Theatres. She quickly gained promotion to Sister and several years later to Nursing Officer. Following one of the many reorganisations of Hospital Services, Pam became the Outpatient Services Manager, a post she held until her retirement in 1999.
When Pam was in her first year of nursing she met Jimmy who had dropped some patient records into the ward where she was working. It was love at first sight and they married in 1967. Sadly, very soon after their marriage, Jimmy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. In his lifetime Pam cared for Jimmy with great love and compassion both at home and latterly in a Nursing Home until his death in 2003.
In spite of her busy life and many commitments, Pam joined the QARANC in the late 70’s. Here she enjoyed the training and the opportunities offered. She loved the camaraderie, the fun and was the life and soul of the Mess. In 1994 her potential was realised when she was promoted to Lt Colonel as Matron of “204 Field Hospital”. When Pam retired as Matron in 1997, she continued her interest in the Army Reserve Forces working with the Cadets until 2013.
Last Post
The following deaths have been notified to RHQ without any obituary information.
April 2016
Maj (Retd) Lynda Bruce – belated entry.
July 2016
Sue Light – 21 Jul 16
August 2016
Dorothy Brome (nee Laing) – 24 Aug 16
September 2016
Sylvia Limb, (nee McCormack) – 13 Sep 16 WO1 Enya Morrison
October 2016
Eleanor Perkins (nee Walker) MBE, 16 Oct 16, aged 90 years
November 2016
June Grabham – 27 Nov 16 Graham Ratcliffe – Nov 16
Pam was instrumental in setting up the QARANC Association Branch in Northern Ireland in 2008, becoming Chairperson until 2013.
During Pam’s life, she involved herself in many organisations including the Royal College of Nursing, the Northern Ireland Hospice and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. She was a true professional devoting her time and energy to improving standards of care for patients and carers alike. She was part of the RCN History of Nursing Group which gathered stories from other nurses who had nursed through the Civil unrest in Northern Ireland, commonly known as “The Troubles”. This work resulted in the publication of “Nurses Voices” in 2013 which gives the personal accounts from some nurses working on the front line.
It was around this time that Pam became unwell and in 2014 was diagnosed with Alzeimers Disease. Her illness progressed quickly resulting in her needing full time care initially at home and subsequently in a Nursing Home.
Pam had a long and distinguished nursing career both in the NHS and Territorial Army. She was a true professional, highly committed to the health and well being of her patients and a real advocate for her nursing colleagues. She had a great love of life, rarely complaining and certainly never idle. Pam was a true friend to many and she will be sadly missed by those whose lives were touched by her kindness and generosity.
Ruth Smith Chair NI Branch
December 2016
Lt Col (Retd) Maureen Mumford George RRC, OStJ – 21 Dec 16
Margaret Irene Taylor, formerly QARANC Territorial Army 3 Dec 16
Janet Reynolds, 8 Dec 16, aged 97 years Mary Sword – 30 Dec 16
Sue Whitehead
January 2017
Sheila Scott, formerly Matron, 217 General Hospital – 8 Jan 17
No details known
Lilly Marjorie Taylor