A Midlands' based Army nurse, midwife and educator, responsible for training the military nurses of the future, has been recognised for her work in the latest Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2018.
Major Karen Jamieson, 54, originally from Wigmore, Herefordshire, now living in Shobdon, is to receive an Ordinary Associate Second Class Royal Red Cross (ARRC) in the list published yesterday (FRI 8 JUNE).
The seasoned medical professional, who has traversed the globe on numerous operations during her long career, is currently Officer Commanding the Department of Healthcare Education at Birmingham City University, where she is responsible for the support, training and welfare of just under 300 undergraduate military student nurses and AHPs.
With the distinction of being the very last midwife ever to be trained by the Army following the closure of military hospitals, she was also awarded a QCVS for her work during a tour of Kosovo in 2000, and says that “basically, everywhere the Army has been, I have been.”
Major Jamieson’s citation states: “Her remit covers the Command and Control of Phase 2 training of all Defence Registered Nurses, Operating Department Practitioners, Radiographers and Biomedical Scientists, with additional responsibilities for all Nursing and Allied Health professionals within Phase 3 training.
“Deployments delivering care in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan have added a rich flavour to her experience. Her highly effective engagement with senior partners sets the conditions for future exploitation of education opportunities across the Defence Medical Services.”
Reacting to news of her latest award, Major Jamieson added: “It was amazing when I heard about my award - though to be fair I sometimes feel like I am only doing my job.
“During my career, I have also received my LSGC (Long Service and Good Conduct) and last month I also received the BAR - I do feel really pleased and honoured and it’s nice to be recognised as I’m actually getting ready to retire from the Regular Army - not just yet - but soon.”
The medic, who joined the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps in 1984, has worked in a variety of hospitals and field units both in the UK and abroad, including Cambridge Military Hospital, BMH Munster, Hong Kong, Duchess of Kent Hospital, Catterick, and TPMH in Cyprus.
Her most recent tour was of Afghanistan when she deployed with Birmingham based 202 Field Hospital on Op Herrick four years ago.
After being commissioned from the ranks as a Late Entry Officer in 2001, Major Jamieson was assigned to MDHU Frimley Park Hospital - and after qualifying in 2004, became the last midwife to be trained by the Army.
She added: "34 years of service has gone so fast and I don’t regret one minute, the Army is great and it’s a privilege to be a member of the QARANC.
“Being an Army nurse has also definitely given me the opportunity to travel, it also encourages everyone to be the best that they can, supports professional development and encourages nurses to specialise, which is why I am now an educator.
“It is a privilege also to be the OC at DHE and train the military nurses of the future and I would encourage any nurse who is considering a change to join up - either the Regulars or the Reserves - there are just so many opportunities.”
