The University of South Wales (USW) was specially chosen to host the inauguration ceremony of the new High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan.
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Tina Donnelly was installed into the position at USW’s Glyntaff campus, in an event attended by Wales’ First Minister, Mark Drakeford AM.
Mrs Donnelly, former Director of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Wales and a member of RCN UK Executive team between 2004 and 2018, and now an independent member of Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), was installed into the ceremonial position that is bestowed by a Royal Warrant from the Queen.
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USW was chosen by Mrs Donnelly to host the inauguration as she is an Honorary Fellow of the University, and has built up a strong relationship with the institution over many years.
“As a member of the reserve forces, I have worked closely with USW and the staff here have been very supportive in helping the members in the field hospital to improve their skills, particularly those involved in the trauma unit,” she said.
“We have had a longstanding agreement with the School of Care Sciences and we often use the clinical simulation suite at Glyntaff Campus to learn the latest skills.
“USW has been a godsend to us, and I don’t think we could have trained the reserves to such a high standard without that help.
“The University is also a huge advocate for education in its true sense, and I can’t speak highly enough of what it does for its students and the community.”
As well as awarding the High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan Youth Community Awards during her year in office, Mrs Donnelly is planning to support groups that give people who have suffered challenges a second chance in life.
“I’m intending to work with charities that support people who’ve faced drug and alcohol addictions, opening doors and giving them new opportunities. It can be very life elevating for all involved,” she said.
“The vital importance of building links between people will be a key aim as well, making sure that they talk to each other and benefit from those connections and make the most of the opportunities that presents.”
Mr Drakeford said: “I was very pleased to attend the installation of Tina Donnelly as High Sheriff for Mid Glamorgan, having worked closely with her during parts of her long and distinguished career in nursing.
“I know Tina will bring the same enthusiasm and diligence to the role as she has to her previous work.
“Tina has spoken of her intention to use her tenure as High Sheriff to focus on youth homelessness; on helping people with drug and alcohol problems and improving access to education, particularly in encouraging more people to consider health and social care as a career choice – these are matters which are a priority for my government too.
“Her commitment to the University of South Wales, and all that it does in nurse education, is something I know she will want to focus upon over the next 12 months. I look forward to working with her in her new capacity as High Sheriff.”
Gaynor Jones MBE, Chair of the RCN Welsh Board, said: “We are absolutely delighted at Tina Donnelly’s appointment as High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan. Tina brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this role.
“The RCN in Wales is particularly pleased that the Declaration ceremony is taking place at USW. We have benefited from a great relationship with the University, and we have been privileged enough to support them on several projects.”
