Long-serving nurse is ‘most inspirational’
08 October 2013
Health Care
Southend University Hospital diabetes nurse Jackie Reid has been named ‘most inspirational’ in this year’s Inspiration Awards for Women.
The 78-year-old nurse, who started her training back in 1953,
still has the same energy and passion for the job she had as a
student 60 years ago.
Her award puts her in illustrious company: winners of other
categories included Jessica Ennis-Hill, Tess Daly, Baroness Doreen
Lawrence, Laura Trott and Adele.
The awards seek to 'celebrate the achievements of remarkable
women who inspire those around them, either through the media or
through their astounding achievements in their everyday lives'.
Jackie, a mother of two daughters from Grays, heard the news as
she and friends were relaxing for the evening on holiday in
Tenerife.
She said: "I had already booked the tickets so my daughter
Michelle went to the awards ceremony. Just being nominated was
wonderful and I certainly did not expect to win. I could not
believe it when she rang me with the news.
"I enjoy my job so much. I just did not notice all the years
whirling by."
Michelle said: "It was such an honour to be there on Mum's
behalf and then be able to ring her with the wonderful news. I
absolutely glowed with pride when they announced her name. She
gives so much to her job and to her patients. Perhaps I am biased
but, although in the company of great nominees, she truly deserves
the recognition." Jackie is no stranger to nursing awards: she
previously collected the Queen's Nursing Institute award for long
service from the late Princess Margaret and the Queen Elizabeth the
Queen Mother award for outstanding service.
Colleagues at Southend University Hospital are delighted with
her much-deserved latest success.
Consultant endocrinologist Dr Karl Metcalfe said: "I don't think
I've ever met anyone in the NHS more deserving of recognition."
With pic: Jackie Reid