A PENARTH woman has received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to nursing.
Penarth resident Caroline Whittaker RRC OStJ, who has a distinguished nursing career within the armed forces along with occupational health and academia, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the RCN Wales Nurse of the Year Awards 2021.
Ms Whittaker is a dedicated nurse, including within the armed forces; she had served as an Army Reserve Nurse on overseas tours in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
In 2004 she received a Royal Red Cross for her services in Iraq and in 2011 she was awarded the Order of St John.
Speaking of her Lifetime Achievement Award, Ms Whittaker said: “I left school with no formal qualifications, so for me this award shows that we can all be winners if we work hard and care passionately enough for the people we serve and that - above all else - we value the colleagues we work with.
“This award throws a spotlight on the outstanding work of occupational health nurses, military nurses regular and reserve and for all the wonderful nurses with St John Ambulance Cymru Wales who give up their time to volunteer with this charity.”
Ms Whittaker has experience and knowledge as a nurse manager, nurse lecturer and quality lead. She has presented at national and international conferences on occupational health and has published work. She has a proven track record in academia and led the development of the diploma in occupational health.
Ms Whittaker, who was presented her Lifetime Achievement Award by Jason Mohamed and Director of the RCN Helen Whyley at a virtual event, also volunteers as a vaccinator at Splott once a week.
Commenting on Caroline Whittaker’s award, Richard Jones MBE, Chair, RCN Wales Board said: "Caroline has had an exceptionally varied career and has shown incredible leadership in a variety of contexts in some of the most challenging of patient care settings on the international stage.
“Caroline is an exceptional example of a nurse manager and leader who goes above and beyond their duties, possessing such drive and passion that it takes your breath away.
“It’s amazing how Caroline has fitted so much experience and achievement into just one lifetime, she is an inspiration and a worthy winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award this evening. Congratulations to Caroline”
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