Inspiring healthcare professionals honoured at graduation ceremony

THREE pioneering healthcare professionals were honoured at Wednesday’s graduation ceremony at the cathedral.

Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent OBE, is the first Chief Midwife for the International Confederation of Midwives received an Honorary Doctorate and Emily Ball, Leadership Coach, best-selling author, and founder of Active Step Healthcare Ltd, was given a Fellowship.

Professor Dunkley-Bent (pictured above) said: “It is an honour to be given this honour from a university which plays such an important role in developing talent in the field of healthcare."

Her lengthy list of roles includes being chair of the maternity advisory group for the Health and Race Observatory in England,  Midwifery Ambassador for the ‘Saying Goodbye’ charity, Patron for Baby Lifeline and the Caribbean and African Health Network and midwifery advisor for the RCN Foundation.

She told her audience, largely made up of nursing graduates: “I believe each and everyone of you has a significant contribution to make – your actions, skills and competences matter.”

Professor Dunkley Bent added: “Remember what you will ripple through the generations and make a difference.”

Wednesday morning’s ceremony also posthumously honoured Dr David Percy a respected GP  co-led the creation of the University's Centre for Global Health, and from 2020 taught on the BA (Hons) International Development: Global Health course.

Gillian Percy flanked by Dr Rachel Locke, and Vice-Chancellor Profess Sarah Greer

Dr Rachel Locke, Senior Lecturer School of Health and Care Professions at the University, gave the citation in which she described David as a ”mentor who truly engaged with his students”.

She added: “David was motivated not by a desire for recognition but the desire to make an impact as a global citizen.”

David’s widow Gillian accepted the honour.

Emily Ball receives her Honorary Fellowship from Alistair Bruce

The graduation ceremony for the students from the Faculty for Health and Wellbeing also marked the debut at the lectern of new Pro Chancellor Major General Alistair Bruce (pictured top).

Alistair who has added careers as a broadcaster and historian to that of soldier, gave an animated welcome to students.

Straws for a celebration...graduates toast their success

Pictures by Dominic Parkes Photography

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