Three nurses from the North West region have been recognised for their service to nursing and to the RCN at this year's RCN Awards. 

Presented this morning at Congress by RCN President Bejoy Sebastian, Chief Executive and General Secretary Nicola Granger and Chair of Council and regional member Carmel O'Boyle, the winners exemplify professional dedication and the very best in nursing excellence.

Receiving the prestigious accolade of RCN Fellow is Professor Judith Ellis OBE. Judith has over 42 years' of experience in healthcare and held distinguished leadership positions in healthcare and academia. She has been a powerful advocate for global health and has played a significant role in workforce development partnerships and nursing leadership initiatives in low and middle-income countries. 

As Chair of the Tropical Health and Education Trust (now Global Health Partnerships), she led many initiatives in several African countries, in particular, Somaliland and Ethiopia, where there is now a clear nursing presence. Judith actively supports nurse education in low-income countries, with a primary focus on designing and delivering degree-level nursing education in conflict zones. Her particular focus at present is on Myanmar, working to maintain quality nursing education in the war-torn country.

Judith said, “I am absolutely delighted and honoured to be made a Fellow of the RCN. I have, for 47 years, been a proud nurse and member of the RCN.  I am now excited by the prospect of engaging even more with other RCN members and Fellows to further enhance RCN support for our UK  and wider global nursing family.”

Commenting on Judith’s award, Regional Director of RCN North West, Simon Browes, added: 

“The RCN Fellowship is awarded to those who exemplify excellence and leadership in nursing. Judith’s sustained commitment to advancing nursing in some of the world’s most complex and under-resourced settings is a powerful example of our profession’s global reach and social mission.

“On behalf of the RCN North West, I warmly congratulate Judith on this well-deserved recognition. Her work has made a lasting difference - not only to the communities she has supported, but to the nursing profession as a whole.”

Also recognised today was Consultant Nurse Sarah Jackson, who has been named Forum Committee Member of the Year for her work on the RCN Learning Disabilities Forum.

Sarah, from Clitheroe, successfully submitted an emergency resolution at Congress 2023  calling for an end to the inappropriate placement of autistic people, sharing her knowledge and expertise regarding autism. Congress unanimously supported this resolution, resulting in a commitment to develop an RCN position statement. 

Sarah engaged multiple stakeholders from across the UK to devise this position statement, held member engagement webinars on this topic and then navigated the RCN governance processes.

The position statement was published in 2024 and will undoubtedly support autistic people to receive improved support and care and raise the profile of the needs of autistic people across healthcare. This work cannot be underestimated in terms of the reach and impact it will have.

In response to receiving this award, Sarah said, “I’m really grateful and honoured to receive this RCN Forum Committee Member of the Year award.  Being part of the RCN Learning Disability Forum has given me the opportunity to champion the needs of autistic people, and work together with others to think about how we can reduce health inequalities through autism-focused research, training and workforce planning.  I’m really looking forward to what comes next”.

Commenting on Sarah’s award, RD Simon Browes, added, “The Forum Committee Member of the Year award recognises outstanding leadership, advocacy, and commitment to progressing the vital work of RCN professional forums. Sarah brought clarity, expertise, and compassion to an area where autistic people are too often unheard or overlooked.

“Her leadership and determination to drive systemic change exemplify the values of our profession. As a former forum member myself, I am particularly proud to see her work recognised. On behalf of the RCN North West team, I offer our warmest congratulations - this award is richly deserved.”

Our third regional award winner is Pauline Harrison who was recognised for her long-standing dedication to the RCN with an RCN Long Service Award.

Pauline has been an RCN Representative at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital for 15 years. During this time she has served as a Steward, Learning Representative and more recently as Staffside Chair. Throughout this time, Pauline has been a passionate advocate for members, supporting them through hearings, offering guidance and representation, and securing the best possible outcomes on many occasions, and often during challenging circumstances.

She has recently become more involved in attending and supporting branch meetings and, as education is her passion, is a voting member of the Education Forum, also attending regional meetings for learning representatives. 

Pauline is also the Student Link Educator Placement Lead for her ward and she plays an integral part in signposting students to join the RCN.

During the period of industrial action, Pauline played a central role, leading the Strike Committee, coordinating member engagement, and being a constant, supportive presence on the picket line. Her leadership helped ensure a strong, united response from members across the region.

Pauline is now an integral member of the City Wide Staffside Leadership Team, regularly meeting with senior executives across Liverpool to represent trade union members, as local NHS Trusts move towards a single Adult Acute Service Provider. 

She said, “I am delighted to receive my RCN Long Service Award. The 15 years have gone in the blink of an eye. Being an RCN rep is, although challenging, a very rewarding role. Becoming a RCN rep is one of the best decisions that I have ever made.  

“The RCN have given me the skills and tools to enable me to support our members in securing wins by improving workplace conditions.”

Commenting on Pauline’s award, Regional Officer Wesley Auden said: “I look forward to continuing to work with Pauline in fighting for RCN members at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital and across the Liverpool patch, and celebrating successes for members and trade unionists across this great city of Liverpool.”

Simon Browes added, “RCN representatives make a real and lasting difference - not only to individual members but to the profession and to patient care. They provide a vital link between the workforce and leadership, giving a voice to those who may not feel confident speaking up for themselves.

“Pauline exemplifies these values. Her dedication, leadership, and advocacy have made a tangible impact over many years. She is a credit to our region and to the RCN.”