The Palms Geriatric Home yesterday held an appreciation ceremony  during which it acknowledged the sterling performance of its 75-strong nursing complement, in observance of International Nurses’ Week 2010, held under the theme: “Delivering Quality; Serving Communities;  Nurses leading Chronic  Care.”
Of the lot, 30 nurses with service ranging from ten to 25 years and over were honoured for long and dedicated service to the institution, a significant part of which is delivering quality care to the elderly.
Topping the list of awardees were  Nurses Elizabeth Joseph and Rona Noble, with 26 years’ service each;  Matron Daphne Trapp with 25 years;  and Nurse Deborah Austin with 23 years.
The awardees were each given tokens of appreciation by the administration at the ceremony in the Chapel.
Others honoured were  five  with  21 years’ service:  Claudette Wray, Nellie King, Yvette Boyce, Andrea Hall and Glenda Smith; two with 20 years : Shelda Glen, and the lone male, Rupert Butts;  three with 19 years:  Dawne Timmerman,  Shellon Chester, and Lorraine Katon; and two with 18 years:  Melina Cox  and Carmen Lucas.
There were also Chalnelle Ross, with 17 years; Sharon Kingston, with 16; and  Dianne Miller, Thelma Wiltshire and Sabrina Butts, each with 14 years.
Palms Administrator Govind Singh admonished the nurses to continue serving the patients with the zeal and fervor demonstrated through the years, and to relive the spirit of Florence Nightingale, 19th century Italian pioneer in nursing.

Meanwhile, the nurses expressed appreciation to Administrator Mr. Govind Singh, Matron Daphne Trapp, Social Worker Ms. Irene Thomas, and Director of Social Services Mr. Wentworth Taitt for their support and for making the occasion possible.  Matron Trapp is also responsible for the in-house upgrading of nurses at the institution, in keeping with the Auditor General’s recommendations in the 2009 annual report for the Palms Institution.
International Nurses’ Day is observed on May 12, the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale.