Sister Liz Buchanan who has been awarded an MBE for services to nursing
Congratulating Sister Buchanan on her MBE, Geraldine McKay, the Trust’s Director of Acute Services said: “This award is a testament to Liz’s dedication and leadership, not least during the Covid-19 pandemic but throughout her entire career.
“I am delighted she has been recognised for her work. She is an outstanding nurse and a role model for all”.
Speaking about the news, Sister Liz Buchanan said: “I am truly honoured and humbled to receive this MBE award.
“Nursing has been my vocation and my passion for 33 years and I have always been privileged to call myself a nurse.
“This award is a recognition of the work of the staff of the Respiratory Ward at Altnagelvin Hospital.
“Our exceptional team of nurses, including nurses redeployed from other departments, doctors, health care assistants, cleaners, porters, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers and ward clerks have been at the frontline in the management of patients with COVID-19 infection for the past 22 months.
“They have truly excelled and have put themselves in the path of the virus to deliver care to patients with compassion and excellence on a daily basis.
“They have trained in new skills where necessary and have made personal sacrifices on a daily basis in order to deliver exceptional patient care and support their colleagues. I am so grateful to be a part of this team and I accept this MBE on their behalf.
“I would like to thank my family; My husband, Jeffrey, and my children Grant and Abbie (also a nurse) for their continued support and understanding of the long and often unsocial hours that I have worked through the years and in particular during the past 22 months.
“This achievement would not have been possible without their support and love. My mum and my dad have always been very supportive of my nursing career.
“My dad is sadly no longer with us and I am sure that he will be looking on with pride at this acknowledgement.
“It is with sincere gratitude that I accept this honour,” added Sr Buchanan.
