It gives us great pleasure to announce that the International Children’s Palliative Care Network (ICPCN) Chief Executive, Professor Julia Downing has been selected as a top 10 finalist from over 24,000 nurses for the first edition of Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. To recognise the phenomenal contribution of nurses to humanity, Aster DM Healthcare has launched the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award on International Nurses Day 2021. We would like to request you to vote for her now. Voting closes on May 6th 2022.
Prof. Julia Downing started her career in nursing in the UK, setting out to care for, empower and equip others. Her first steps of leadership started with bringing about clinical change in radiotherapy and outpatients and this has grown over the years through her experiences in education at the Royal Marsden Hospital, her palliative care experience in Uganda, across sub-Saharan Africa and globally. In 2001 she moved from the UK to Uganda where she led the development of an HIV/AIDS palliative care centre, and helping set up and work with the African Palliative Care Association (APCA). Her work led to much recognition, such as being appointed an Honorary Professor of Palliative Care – Uganda’s and the region’s first such honour.
She has been involved with the International Children’s Palliative Care Network (ICPCN) since its start and became Chief Executive in 2016. She continues to work with ICPCN working with organisations across the globe. She has evaluated education programmes, looked at models of care delivery, and learned about the individual’s understanding of illness during her nursing career as well as helping to develop an African Palliative Outcome Scale and a children’s outcome scale. These studies have led to further research around the world bringing about a better approach and awareness around the issue.
She has been a proponent of nurses taking up research, and the use of good quality data to bring about change. Her journey in nursing has seen many roadblocks, especially about the restricted roles of nurses in the medical ecosystem, which she has overcome and inspired many to take after her success. She is recognised globally as a leader for children’s palliative care and palliative care nursing.
At ICPCN we are delighted that Julia has been shortlisted for this award and the recognition not only for her but for the work of ICPCN. Please do support her and vote for her.
You can vote here.
Thank you,
Mike Palfreman
Chair of the ICPCN Board
Why you should vote.
- To recognise the phenomenal contribution of nurses to humanity
- To highlight and advocate for palliative care services on a global stage
- To help bring the award home. This will be a win in recognition of the sacrificial and tireless work done by palliative care nurses globally.
Please learn more about the award here.
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