UWL Emeritus Professor of Nursing to receive the Order of Merit
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Dame Elizabeth began her 50-year career as a nurse at the age of 16, as a school nursing assistant and went on to become the UK’s very first Sickle Cell nurse specialist in 1979, something she regards as a highlight of her career. She is patron of the UK Sickle Cell Society which she helped to found more than 40 years ago.
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After a career as a nurse and health visitor, Dame Elizabeth went on to become a professor and Dean of UWL’s College of Nursing and continues association with the University in her role as Emeritus Professor of Nursing. She retired in 2007 and was made a dame in 2017.
Dame Elizabeth describes finding out she had been chosen to receive the Order of Merit as a shock.
What an honour and so totally unexpected,” she says. “Florence Nightingale was the first woman to receive the Order of Merit and the Queen gave an honorary one to Nelson Mandela, so I’m in illustrious company.”
The 120-year-old order is limited to 24 members at any given time. These latest appointees increase the number of women from two to five. Sir David Attenborough has the Order of Merit, and Dame Elizabeth adds that she is excited to meet him as members of the order are due to have lunch together soon.
Buckingham Palace told me that the Queen herself signed off on these appointees as one of her very last actions,” she says, adding that there is something rather poignant about being one of the Queen’s final appointees.
We are absolutely delighted to see Professor Dame Elizabeth’s achievements recognised with one of our country’s highest honours,” Dr Charmagne Barnes Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean of UWL’s College of Nursing, Midwifery, Healthcare adds. “Congratulations! It really is an honour for us to have her playing such an active part in our university and we thank her for her sharing her passion and enthusiasm with our trainee nurses.”
College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare
The College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare is a major provider of pre- and post-registration courses in West London and Berkshire.
I am proud of UWL – I always enjoyed working there and I’d like to say a big hello to all the students and add a special wave for all the nursing and midwifery students, as that is of course my first love.” Dame Elizabeth concludes. “I had a difficult childhood and spent time in care. My receiving this honour sends a powerful message to them, I hope. This could happen to you – anything is possible.”
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