Tonight (2 June), we celebrated the dedication of our outstanding RCN reps, active members and forum members who’ve made a significant contribution to the nursing profession. They received RCN awards in the opening ceremony of RCN Congress in Newport, south Wales, after being nominated by their nursing peers.
RCN President Sheilabye Sobrany presented the prestigious awards, saying: "Congratulations to all the award winners tonight. You truly represent the best of nursing."
The RCN Fellowship recognises innovative individuals who have made an exceptional commitment to advancing the science and practice of nursing and the improvement of health and patient care. This year, RCN Fellowships were awarded to: Dr Denise Chaffer CBE, Michelle Cox, Dr Roxanne Crosby-Nwaobi, Professor Aisha Holloway, Professor Pamela Smith MBE, Paul Trevatt and Jason Warriner.
Michelle Cox (pictured above), is a Queen’s Nurse and a leading voice in equity and social justice with a particular focus on health inequalities for marginalised groups, and Paul Trevatt is a nurse leader in cancer and palliative care who’s been delivering transformational change programmes at regional and national levels for more than 30 years. Meanwhile, Jason Warriner is a leading public health nurse who has specialised in HIV, sexual health, homelessness, and substance addiction. His work has consistently championed excellence of care for minoritised groups, and he has fought to address inequalities in health care through both clinical practice and political activism.
This year, 7 members have received an Award of Merit, the highest honour the RCN can give for voluntary service to the College. This year’s recipients are Natalie Brooks, Charlotte Collings, Siobhan Donald, Sara Gilpin, Connie Mitchell, Phil Noyes and Roaqah Shaher.
The Representative of the Year awards include Learning Representative of the Year, Health and Safety Representative of the Year and Steward of the Year, and these are awarded to our reps who’ve made a difference in their workplace and shown outstanding commitment to the RCN and its members. This year, Christine Edwards-Jones was awarded Steward of the Year, Amanda Smith was awarded Safety Representative of the Year, and Anita Curley was awarded Learning Representative of the Year.
The RCN Student Ambassador of the Year Award is open to student ambassadors who have made a difference at their university, recruiting and supporting RCN student members, organising events, and campaigning. Jordan Kelly took home the award this year. He’s re-energised a WhatsApp group for Student Ambassadors in the West Midlands and spearheaded the replication of the region’s local learning events for a student audience.
The Forum Member of the Year and Forum Committee Member of the Year awards celebrate members' outstanding contributions to the RCN's professional forums. This year’s winners were Charlotte Deakin from the Women’s Health Forum (Forum Member of the Year) and Dr Stuart Wildman, from the History of Nursing Forum (Forum Committee Member of the Year).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the First Minister of Wales, Vaughan Gething reflected on the role of nursing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and the range of roles undertaken by nursing staff. “You’re part of a safety-critical profession. I want the country to understand the value of nursing and the branches of nursing you provide.”
He added: “Thank you for your unwavering dedication. I wish you a happy and successful conference.”
Sheila Sobrany said: "Congress is a safe space for you to share your views. We are here to improve nursing and health care for everyone. We demonstrate that disagreement doesn't mean disrespect. Congress is a catalyst for change. We need the fire of the Welsh red dragon. Congress is the time for rallying calls and passionate debate. Come on friends, let's ignite that flame."
