Given in celebration of the very best in nursing, the annual RCN Awards were presented at Congress this week in Newport, Wales and awarded to those who have given an outstanding contribution to nursing, along with honours for the Learning Representative, Safety Representative and Steward of the Year. The Award of Merit recognises those who have gone above and beyond to support fellow members.
Roaqah has been a registered nurse since 2004 and is currently a clinical sister in the Cardiothoracic High Dependency Unit at the South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Middlesborough.
Roaqah has been an accredited RCN steward for over 16 years, since 2007, and joined the trust’s Joint Partnership Committee soon after in 2008. After being elected Vice-Chair of the Staff Side Committee for 2 years, she was elected to Staff Side Chair in 2015 and has held that position ever since. She is currently Chair of the RCN’s Northern Region Board, member of the RCN Trade Union Committee and Chair of the RCN Tees Valley Branch.
As an RCN steward Roaqah represents members, helps to resolve workplace issues or disputes and represents staff in workplace consultations.
Sarah Dodsworth, Regional Director for RCN Northern and Yorkshire and the Humber regions said: “The RCN Awards are presented to those who have made an outstanding contribution to nursing, either in their area of professional practice or in their support of their peers and colleagues. Roaqah’s commitment to members is truly inspiring. She works tirelessly providing support, help and guidance to members in the RCN and workplace. As Staff Side Chair, she demonstrates strong leadership skills, working hard to represent and negotiate in the best interests of staff and members."
“Roaqah always puts the needs of the members, of patients and of nursing, at the heart of everything she does. Her dedication to supporting the RCN is evident in her efforts to engage and recruit new members. She is a deserving recipient of the Award of Merit and we in the region could not be more proud.”
Award of Merit recipient Roaqah Shaher said: “I am truly honoured to receive this award and recognition from the RCN. It’s been a privilege supporting colleagues at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust since 2007 and representing members at a regional and national level.”
Paul Vaughan, RCN Northern Region Council Member said: “Roaqah has worked incredibly hard to support members and ensure that the voice of nursing is heard far and wide. I am delighted to see her work recognised at RCN Congress this year.”
