Aid worker a 'true Florence Nightingale'

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ON THE GROUND: Red Cross worker Joyce Hood outside Mirwais Regional Hospital in Kandahar. She has served in Afghanistan four times, experiencing the conditions there both during and after the Taleban'.

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A New Zealand Red Cross aid worker is receiving the highest international honour in her profession today for her work in war-torn parts of the globe.

Joyce Hood, 67, is being presented with the Florence Nightingale Medal awarded by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The award is given to people who distinguish themselves in times of peace or war by showing exceptional courage and devotion to the wounded, sick or disabled as well as to victims of conflict or disaster.

The award commemorates 11 years of service to others that Ms Hood has given on 11 missions, over 80 months in highly volatile Afghanistan, East Timor and Iraq.

"I love my work and always get back more than I give," she said. "The people are just amazing.

"I go to some very poor places, but they are so stoic and generous. Even if they do not have anything, they offer you tea and biscuits or something."

She has served on four Red Cross operations in Afghanistan, including one in which the cluster of houses where she worked was bombed – 247 windows and 47 doors were blown out. "We were a little concerned but were all fine."

The mission that haunts her was also in Afghanistan, during which kerosene lamps adulterated with A1 jet fuel exploded in houses.

"Quite a lot died and there was very severe burning. I often think of children killed and maimed unnecessarily."

Landmines caused similar injuries, she said.

Ms Hood returns to Auckland every six to 12 months, where she works at a Manukau emergency and medical clinic for a few months before heading off on her next mission. "I love coming back to New Zealand because it is so green."

These return trips also let her catch up with her daughter, who is a Waikato dairy farmer, her son, who lives in Auckland, and five grandchildren.

Despite her age, she won't be retiring "just yet". "I should retire really but am not ready to. It is an amazing life and I have met and worked with a lot of interesting people from around the world. They are kind of like family when you are out there."

Her work kept her going, she said. "I just thrive on the challenge to try and help these people. What I do is only minuscule."

Ms Hood has previously received the New Zealand Operational Service Medal and the New Zealand General Service Medal for her work in Afghanistan.

She is being presented with the Florence Nightingale Medal by Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand and Lady Satyanand today.

- © Fairfax NZ News