A SENIOR staff nurse are Royal Berkshire Hospital has been given a one of the most prestigious accolades in the medical profession.
Chinwe Lawrence-Uchenna was awarded with the Florence Nightingale medal for her work as the former health coordinator of the Anambra state branch of the Nigerian Red Cross.
The medal recognises exceptional courage and devotion to victims of armed conflict or natural disaster.
It also recognises exemplary service or a pioneering spirit in the areas of public health or nursing education.
Ms Lawrence-Uchenna was one of 37 nurses from 22 different countries to receive the medal when she was awarded the accolade by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
She was presented with the medal by Matt Tams, the president of the Berkshire Red Cross, at a handover ceremony in Reading on Monday, July 31.
Ms Lawrence-Uchenna said: “I am touched, I do not deserve it, I am humbled to be here today to receive this medal it means so much to me.
“I like to work hard and I am passionate about helping people and I would say to my Nigerian colleagues keep flying the flag for humanity.”
Steve McManus, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust Chief Executive said, “We are so proud of Chinwe, it’s a huge honour to receive this award, and it’s entirely deserved.
“I couldn’t be more delighted for her, and we are very lucky she has chosen to come and join us at the trust to help us give our patients the best possible care.”
Dr Manir Jega, Director of Health and Care at the Nigerian Red Cross also joined the ceremony virtually, and said: “We are very happy. We want to congratulate her (Chinwe).
“We’re not really surprised but we really appreciate everything she has done– she is so dedicated.
“This is so commendable, and we are so happy to celebrate with her today. Chinwe thank you very much, we really appreciate you.”
