A MARSTON Green nurse has been handed the Royal College of Nursing’s (RCN) highest honour for voluntary service.
Phil Noyes received the RCN’s Award of Merit to mark his 25 years of service to the organisation at the College’s annual Congress in Newport, Wales.
Before he retired earlier this year, the learning disabilities nurse was an RCN union steward at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust and chair of the trust’s staff side representative body for a number of years.
He also held positions in his local RCN branch and within the College regionally and nationally.
Phil’s most recent UK-wide role was on the RCN committee that oversees the organisation of RCN Congress, one of the most important events on the nursing calendar, at which, fittingly, he was presented with his award.
He said: “It’s extremely flattering to win this award. To be nominated by peers who are performing similar roles and who believe you are worthy of recognition is lovely.
“The most satisfying moments for me have been when I’ve helped colleagues to achieve an outcome that I and they didn’t think was possible.
“On my final day of work I saw someone who I’d once supported with what we thought at the time was an unwinnable case, but together we won. She waved at me and I waved back. That is the greatest pay back.”
Phil was nominated for the award by the RCN’s West Midlands Board.
The board’s chair, Olga Leach-Walters, said: “Phil has served the RCN for many years with exceptional dedication and distinction.
“He can be very proud of his track record of having supported and represented our members as groups and individuals, particularly those who’ve experienced challenges in their working lives, with the utmost compassion and professionalism.”
