World’s Highest Nursing Honour Awarded To NZ Aid Worker

World’s Highest Nursing Honour Awarded To New Zealand Red Cross Aid Worker

He claims to be an average bloke from the Hawke’s Bay, but Red Cross aid worker Andrew Cameron is one of only a handful of New Zealanders to receive one of the world’s highest nursing honours; the Florence Nightingale medal.

Awarded by the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) the Florence Nightingale medal is the highest honour within the nursing profession. It is awarded to people who distinguish themselves in times of peace or war by showing exceptional courage and devotion to the wounded, sick or disabled or to civilian victims of conflict or disaster.

Speaking from South Ossetia, near Georgia, Andrew Cameron says he was shocked but proud to receive the honour.

“It is something of special significance and I think it's a testament to the quality of staff New Zealand Red Cross sends to overseas aid programs, and the standard of nursing graduates from New Zealand,” Mr Cameron says.

“My wife and two daughters will be tickled pink - although they have suffered from my long absences. They realise that sometimes you forgo something from our comfortable lives at home, in order to help those who have suffered from war, those who are in greater need.”

In nominating Mr Cameron for the medal, New Zealand Red Cross International Operations Manager Andrew McKie noted that Mr Cameron was a hands-on operator passionately dedicated to his work.

Mr McKie said Mr Cameron has made a significant contribution to the work of New Zealand Red Cross, since he became an aid worker in 1996, and has worked in a number of challenging environments.

“Andrew Cameron has undertaken seven missions for New Zealand Red Cross; Kenya, Sudan, Yemen, Iraq, and two in Afghanistan, and now he is on mission in South Ossetia as an aid worker. Andrew is there assisting in remote villages that have been effected by the regional conflict,” Mr McKie says.

Only 50 Florence Nightingale medals are awarded worldwide every two years. Mr Cameron is the 25th New Zealand nurse to be honoured with the medal, the first having been awarded in 1920.

“It can be testing, demanding, frustrating, tiring, and at times heart-wrenching.” Mr Cameron says.

“And of course, to be of any use to others, you have to adapt quickly to each new environment, think clearly, make decisions and get on with your designated job in a neutral and impartial manner. On these assignments, the goal is to protect life, promote health, and really importantly to ensure respect and dignity for your fellow human being.”

Mr Cameron will be presented his medal at an official function when he returns to New Zealand later in the year.

ENDS

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