RCN Awards 2009

Introduction from RCN President Maura Buchanan

"The special people receiving RCN Fellowships, RCN Honorary Fellowships, RCN Awards of Merit or Representative of the Year Awards, have each, without exception, helped shape the world of nursing and health care for the better.

It is with a great sense of pride that we recognise the dedication and achievements of 18 outstanding professionals. Together they represent our members, nurses from the UK and abroad, and volunteers who give up their time for the advancement of nursing and health care, and, for the first time, someone from outside our profession who has made a significant contribution in delivering the best in health care.

This year, we were also proud to celebrate our Representative of the Year award winners in the prestigious RCN Awards Ceremony. The Representative of the Year awards recognise the exceptional contribution activists make to improve our workplaces and our employment practices as well as supporting members. The four winners have demonstrated outstanding achievement and commitment to the RCN and to the working lives of our members through improvements in health and safety, pioneering new ways of learning, and resolving workplace issues or disputes. All of them have helped ensure that the voice of the RCN is strong. This year's award winners have demonstrated the critical role nurses play in improving the health of society and have helped strengthen the voice of nursing, nationally and internationally.

Please take some time to read their inspiring stories, but also to join with me in extending our congratulations and thanks to the deserving professionals we celebrate tonight."