Florence Nightingale Foundation Honorary Vice President GEOFFREY WALKER is BJN nurse of the year
Poole Hospital Matron, Geoffrey Walker, is celebrating after being named Nurse of the Year in a prestigious national awards scheme.
The British Journal of Nursing magazine handed Geoffrey the award in recognition of the outstanding contribution he has made to patients in Poole over more 25 years of Nursing.
Judges described the Matron, responsible for medicine, cardiology and specialist Nursing services, as “a clear winner.”
Delighted Geoffrey received the award from television personality and campaigner, Esther Rantzen, at an awards event in Shakespeare’s Globe theatre complex in London. He was accompanied by senior sister Shelley Pasamar.
“I feel so proud and humble to receive this award,” said Geoffrey. “Nursing is a profession that I absolutely love, and the award is as much for my colleagues and Poole Hospital as it is for me.”
Geoffrey’s nomination cites the role he has played in establishing Poole Hospital’s cardiology patient support group – now in its tenth year – and the creation and development of the medical investigations unit (MIU), both at Poole Hospital.
Julie Smith, British Journal of Nursing editor and a judge of the Nurse of the Year category, said: “Geoffrey’s nomination was, for me, a clear winner. His dedication to Nursing goes above and beyond all expectations, and his passion for excellence in Nursing and developing and improving patient care is unmatched. It is Nurses like Geoffrey who restore our faith in the profession and we are absolutely delighted to have awarded him BJN Nurse of the Year 2013.”
Geoffrey’s passion for innovation continues, with the MIU recently becoming the first unit of its kind in the UK to offer blood prescribing to patients from specially trained Nurses.
“I’ve always strived to do the best for patients, and enjoy being able to bring innovation to the role, like at the MIU,” said Geoffrey.
In 2009, Geoffrey received an OBE in recognition of his services to Nursing. He is also the vice-president of the British Red Cross in Dorset, a lecturer practitioner at the University of Bournemouth, and an Honorary Vice-President of the Florence Nightingale Foundation.
“My work with the Florence Nightingale Foundation keeps me grounded as I meet Nurses from all backgrounds and in all kinds of roles, and working to help them achieve their dreams is so rewarding.”
Poole Hospital Chief Executive, Chris Bown, said “These prestigious national awards featured many outstanding nominees and it is therefore a source of great pride that Geoffrey’s ability, commitment and enthusiasm for Nursing shone through to the judges.”