Dr Mona Grey

OBE, SRN, SCM, FRCN

Dr Mona Grey has devoted her life to developing nursing in Northern Ireland, advancing the art and science of nursing and increasing positive advocacy rights for older people.

Mona’s career, which began in 1933, can only be described as pioneering, innovative and exemplary. She took on a leadership role at a time when she had to challenge the traditional, male-dominated hierarchies. Her vision and commitment to education led to the RCN setting up its first permanent office and teaching centre in Belfast in the 1940s. She personally raised one-third of the money needed to set up the centre from plays and pageants that she wrote using her nursing experience to great advantage. She also used her knowledge of amateur dramatics to promote and publicise the professions of nursing, midwifery and health visiting.

Mona had the strategic vision and energy to succeed in her aim of securing better educational opportunities and improved pay for nurses, as well as enhanced status for the nursing and social care professions. As Chief Nursing Officer, Mona played a central role in restructuring the Northern Ireland health service. In recent years she has campaigned tirelessly to improve the quality of residential care for older people.

Mona was appointed Honorary Vice-President of the RCN in 1996. In acknowledgement of her contribution to the advancement of the art and science of nursing, the University of Ulster awarded her an Honorary Doctorate in 1999. Her achievements were recognised by RCN Northern Ireland in 2002 when she was the inaugural recipient of the RCN Lifetime Achievement Award. She became a fellow of the RCN in 2004. She has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Dr Grey, who is 96, lives in Holywood Care Home.