Christine Verity, fondly known to her RCN friends and colleagues as Chris, was a long-serving and highly respected member and activist within the Yorkshire & the Humber Region.
Her commitment to the RCN spanned decades, beginning with her election to the Northallerton Branch Executive as Public Relations Officer, before becoming an RCN steward in 1992. Throughout her service, Chris supported and represented countless members, offering guidance and advice on a wide range of workplace issues.
Chris played an important role in several local disputes over terms and conditions, the replacement of annualised hours contracts and Contract 2000. She also made significant contributions as a learning representative, organising study days and seminars for members, and as a safety representative on the North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust Health and Safety Committee. Her efforts included introducing a staff policy on visiting patients at home who smoke and conducting risk assessments for the trust.
In recognition of her dedication, Chris received the RCN Long Service Award in 2007 for 15 years’ service and went onto receive the RCN Award of Merit in 2009. Her influence extended beyond the UK. She met with the Polish Nurses Association (PNA) at the 2001 International Council of Nursing Conference and actively supported a partnership project between RCN Yorkshire & Humber and the PNA. This collaboration promoted leadership development and nursing advocacy with political leaders and policymakers in both countries. Chris regularly hosted Polish colleagues during clinical visits to the UK, further strengthening international ties.
Chris started work in October 1959 at St James' Hospital, Leeds, where she trained as a staff nurse and later as a midwife. She then moved to Northallerton to take up the role of community staff nurse, eventually retiring after 46 years of service to the NHS. Chris was a Yorkshire & the Humber Board Member from 2005 to 2011 and North Allerton Branch Chair from 2011 to 2012.
RCN Yorkshire & Humber Regional Director Sarah Dodsworth said:
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Chris Verity. Chris was both a dedicated and passionate nurse and an outstanding member of the RCN. Her commitment left a permanent mark on the North Yorkshire Branch and the Yorkshire & Humber Region.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Chris’s family and friends, both within and beyond the RCN.”
