OBE for Ballymena nursing pioneer

Lynda Ann Bonner, founder of the National Nursing and Midwifery Nursing Network, was born in the Cottage Hospital and lived in Ballymena throughout her childhood,attending St Louis Grammar.

She completed nurse training in the RVH, Belfast, and moved to London to further her career. She subsequently became Consultant Nurse for Thrombosis and Anticoagulation at Kings College Hospital, London.

Lynda moved back home to Ballymena recently and is now living in Gracehill.

She said: “Prior to leaving London I worked as a Consultant Nurse in the Thrombosis Centre at Kings College NHS Foundation Trust for 13 years which specialises in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The Centre is led by Professor Roopen Arya who was an inspirational role model and being part of his expert team was indeed a privilege.

“As founder of the National Nursing and Midwifery Network for VTE in England, I have seen the dedication, commitment and selflessness of all its members as they go beyond the call of duty to tirelessly improve standards in VTE prevention. The success of the Network is credited to the efforts of each one of its members.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all my family and friends for their support, and my work colleagues for their efforts over the years. I hope that VTE awareness and what can be done to reduce its risk of occurrence will be increased amongst the public and healthcare professionals as a consequence of this award.”