Nurse’s union commitment praised

John Hill, co-chairman of the RCN Yorkshire and Humber board, and council member for the past eight years, was given the award of merit at the Royal College of Nursing annual conference in Liverpool.

Mr Hill, a former charge nurse at Scunthorpe General Hospital’s accident and emergency department, retired in 2007 but has continued in his role of RCN lead steward at the hospital.

He said: “This is the culmination of more than 40 years of trade union work, as it will sit alongside my confederation shield which I received from the Iron and Steel Trade Confederation for work I did as a union activist in the 60s, 70s and early 80s. To receive the award of merit is a real honour as it is peer recognition that has seen me nominated for this award.”

Louise Ludgrove, director of human resources and organisational development at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “I am delighted that John has received the award of merit from the RCN as it in part reflects his commitment to the local health service in this area.”