A SHEFFIELD nurse who has served at military hospitals in both Afghanistan and Iraq through the Territorial Army has been awarded a medal in recognition of her endeavours.
Sister Julie Lingard normally works at the Sheffield NHS walk-in centre, run as a collaboration with GPs, as an advanced nurse practitioner but is also a major in the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, which is part of the TA.
In that rol
e she managed a 25- bed field hospital in Afghan-istan, leading a team providing emergency care, surgery and ongoing treatment for British and other coalition soldiers but also enemy forces who had been wounded, along with civilians from the war zone.
Four years previously, she fulfilled a similar function in Iraq.
As a result of her service, she has been awarded the Associate Royal Red Cross Medal, which is given to Army nurses who have shown "exceptional services, devotion to duty and professional competence in British military nursing". She will travel to Buckingham Palace to receive the award later in the year.
"The work in Afghanistan was challenging, hard, demanding and very emotive – but overall very rewarding," she said.
She joined the TA in 1990, attached to 212 Field Hospital, based in Sheffield.
"Many of the team had never left their families or been deployed before but they showed courage, devotion and determination. Had it not been for their support and hard work, I would not have had such a successful tour," she added.
Sam Morgan-Lister, clinical manager at the walk-in centre, where Sister Lingard normally works, said: "All the team at the GP Collaborative congratulate Julie for her commitment, bravery and humility. One cannot imagine how difficult is must have been to do such a challenging job in such dangerous and unpredictable conditions."
There is a recruitment drive by 212 Field Hospital. More details are available from Captain Mike Rutkowski on 01904 668228.
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