Several members of the nursing profession have received awards as part of this year’s new year’s honours, including former chief nursing officer Jane Cummings.
Professor Cummings was awarded a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) for services to nursing and the NHS. In her time as Chief Nursing Officer for England, she introduced a number of programmes including the 6Cs and the national framework for nursing, midwifery and care staff.
Claire Murdoch, Chief Executive of Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, which continues to care for survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire, also received a CBE as did Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Nursing Officer Michelle McLoughlin.
Two nurses, Joy Ongcachuy and Emma Senyard, of Barts Health NHS Trust in London, received OBEs (Order of the British Empire) in recognition of their work treating people during the London Bridge terrorist attack in June 2017.
Dame Professor Donna Kinnair, Acting RCN Chief Executive, said: ‘Nurses are the biggest staff group in the NHS, and constantly go the extra mile to give the best possible care for their patients. They don’t do this in the hope of attracting plaudits, but I’m sure they will be pleased to receive this important public recognition.’
Twelve nursing professionals were awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for their outstanding achievement or service to the community. They include Ruth Oshikanlu, who was made a Fellow of the RCN in 2017, and RCN Nurse of the Year Melanie Davies, a ward sister with Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board at Morriston Hospital in Swansea.