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Archive 2023
Retirement of Dr Rhona O'Connell
We will all miss Rhona
In October we were sad to say goodbye to Dr Rhona O’Connell who retires from the School of Nursing and Midwifery and embarks on the next stage of her life.
Dr Rhona O’Connell has been in the school since more or less its inception. The whole school, in particular the Midwifery team and students, will miss Rhona’s very rich experience and her generous kindness. Many colleagues exchanged stories and anecdotes of how Rhona had helped them over the years with a range of different issues. For example, a Midwifery colleague stated “You proudly represented midwifery regionally, nationally, and internationally through your works Chairing INMO Midwives Committee, and representing Ireland on European Midwives Committee, and International Confederation of Midwives. Throughout, you advocated for the contribution that midwives can make to health and wellbeing of not just women and infants but of entire population health. You worked collaboratively and closely with clinical colleagues in the South-South West Hospital Group, multidisciplinary teaching on the Neonatal Resuscitation Programme and PROMPT Obstetric Emergencies Programme, supported many colleagues through MSc, PG Dip, and PhD programmes”.
One colleague praised Rhona for: “Dedication to Midwifery, your passion for the past number of decades that has led to many different and valuable PG programmes that would not be where they are now – were it not for you, and your enormous and tireless efforts”. Another colleague said: “Thank you for your approachability, wisdom, and insights on everything from curricular challenges, programme development and anything whatsoever midwifery related! In particular, thank you for your interest and engagement with our midwifery Erasmus students for so many years, who always commented on your expertise and willingness to help”.
There were many more tributes to Rhona shared by colleagues across the School and the College of Medicine and Health. We hope that Rhona will stay in touch with us, and we wish her all the very best for a long and healthy retirement full of exciting activities and adventures.
Many thanks to our social committee especially Therese Ahern for organising the flowers, gifts, and the lovely coffee morning.
