Responding to the King’s Birthday Honours, RCN President Bejoy Sebastian, said:
“Congratulations to all those in the nursing community who have been recognised today.
"Several nursing leaders, including those with strong ties to the RCN, have been recognised with awards in the King’s Birthday Honours, highlighting the vital contribution nursing makes to patient care and the wider health system.
“Their achievement, along with all those in nursing who have been honoured, demonstrates how highly valued nursing is and they all should be enormously proud.
“Nursing is an incredible and rewarding profession and you are an inspiration to the nursing staff of today and tomorrow. Your shining example shows the difference we can make and represents the very best of the profession.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Those honoured include:
- Dr Crystal Oldman – who is on the board of trustees of the RCN Foundation – receives a Damehood (DBE).
Crystal is an independent community nursing consultant, with a nursing career spanning more than 45 years. She was previously the Chief Executive of the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN). - Sue Tranka – the Chief Nursing Officer for Wales – is awarded a Damehood (DBE).
Sue has 32 years of varied experience in nursing and has spent the last 25 years working in the NHS. She trained as a midwife, registered general nurse, mental health nurse and community nurse. - Rachel Hollis – former chair of the RCN’s Professional Nursing Committee and RCN Fellow – has been awarded an OBE.
Rachel spent almost 30 years working in paediatric oncology and haematology. She was made an RCN Fellow in recognition of her contribution to the nursing of children with cancer. - Paul Trevatt – former member of the RCN’s Professional Nursing Committee and RCN Fellow – receives an MBE.
Paul has worked in cancer and palliative care nursing for more than 30 years. He is also the co-founder of the campaign to protect the title nurse. - Helen Whyley – former RCN Wales Executive Director – is awarded an MBE.
Helen is currently RCN Executive Director of Service Innovation and first joined RCN Wales in 1999. She also previously worked in the office of the Welsh Government’s Chief Nursing Officer, where her achievements include advising on policy for the Nurse Staffing Levels (Wales) Act 2016; and leading a review of the Post Registration Career Framework for Nurses.
