Beragh nurse rewarded for ‘outstanding service’

A BERAGH nurse has been rewarded a prestigious award for her ‘outstanding service to nursing.’

Janice Vance was one of just four nurses to receive the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Award for Outstanding Service to Nursing in 2020.

Janice, who has recently retired, had worked in the Western Trust for 29 years as a community nurse, and most recently as the Locality Services Manager.

The Outstanding Service Award is awarded to nurses who provide exceptional care to their patients and who demonstrate a continuing passion and enthusiasm for nursing and the advancement of community nursing.

Janice said she was “very shocked” when she received a letter from The Queen’s Nursing Institute in January of this year.

“I was to go to London in May for the awards ceremony but unfortunately due to Covid-19 this was deferred until November and that the ceremony would be conducted via Zoom on 30 September.

“As a Nurse, I was very aware of this prestigious award but never ever thought that I would be a recipient.

“It is a privilege for me to accept this award on behalf of my district nursing colleagues.

“I am delighted and feel very honoured to receive it and do so in recognition of all District Nurses especially those in the Western Trust area who work so professionally delivering excellent care to their patients 365 days per year.”

“I would also like to pay tribute to all my colleagues who I worked with over the years and whose support was invaluable in helping me do my very best to help service users and staff alike.

“To those colleagues whose idea it was to nominate me and give up their time in completing the submission, I feel truly grateful. My sincere thanks to you all.”

Vincent Ryan Assistant Director for Primary Care and Older People at the Western Trust who nominated Janice for this award said, “Although Janice has recently retired as Locality Services Manager Service, she has worked in community nursing for 29 years and her colleagues know how hardworking, dedicated and motivated she was in her role.

“Janice’s ultimate goal was to ensure excellent care was delivered in her locality by well trained, dedicated staff.

“I feel Janice is very deserving of this award to acknowledge her contribution to the development of the district nursing service over the years and the excellent care her teams deliver,” said Mr Ryan.