Nursing pair praise community support

QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS

Two rural nurses said they could not be as effective in their jobs without the amazing support they received from the Stewart Island community.

Nurses Martinius Pepers and Deborah Dillon have been colleagues on Stewart Island for 11 years. The pair both received Queen's Service Medals for services to nursing and the community.

The duo have been described as going beyond the call of duty time and time again to care for people on the island.

They provide rostered 24/7 care of more than 400 residents and more than 40,000 summer season tourists.

This extends across the whole spectrum of health care including maternity care, school visits, search and rescue, acute trauma management, counselling and palliative care.

The island's unique isolated environment means crucial decisions need to be made quickly on patient care and possibly evacuation procedures.

Both have undertaken extensive training to refine their nursing skills. Mr Pepers has completed a masters degree and is highly skilled in air/sea rescue logistics, while Mrs Dillon also completed a masters degree and is involved in many community activities.

"This award is quite a blast and I think it is very positive to highlight rural nursing," Mr Pepers said.

Mrs Dillon said the honour was fantastic and while personally it was humbling the award also recognised the work of nurses working in the community.

She also paid tribute to Dr Anton de Croos, of Invercargill, who had been a mentor and support person.

"We don't as much nurse on people on the island, but with them. We are part of the community and helping people," she said.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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