UCCI TO HOST GLOBAL HEALTHCARE SYMPOSIUM AND RENAME ITS NURSING SCHOOL TO COMMEMORATE A LEGEND

The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) is set to mark a significant milestone in the history of healthcare education in the Cayman Islands with two historic events in April 2024. These events underscore a decade of excellence and the enduring legacy of one of the most revered figures in Cayman Islands’ nursing.

On April 4, 2024, the UCCI School of Nursing will honor the legacy of Nurse Ruth Eleanor McLaughlin, MBE, known lovingly as “Matron”, by renaming the School of Nursing in her memory, celebrating ten years of its operation. Effective 4 April 2024, the UCCI School of Nursing will be known as the “Ruth Eleanor McLaughlin School of Nursing”.

The Chairman of the Board of Governors of UCCI, Mr. Gilbert McLean, disclosing that the re-naming exercise had evolved from a petition to Cabinet, said: “I am delighted that we are once again so fittingly recognising another Caymanian who contributed to building the Cayman Islands with all the amenities we enjoy today. Ruth Eleanor McLaughlin stands tall among those iconic heroes and as chairman of the board I am grateful for the opportunity to honour her.”

The Board Chair added: “I am delighted as well that the first public event for the Ruth Eleanor McLaughlin School of Nursing, on Friday, April 5, takes the form of a symposium designed to foster the advancement of innovation and excellence in health care, two facets to Cayman Islands’ medical care close to the heart of our bellowed matriarch of nursing.”

Nurse McLaughlin’s career spanned over three decades during which she was instrumental in shaping the nursing profession on the islands. Her dedication went beyond the confines of the hospital; she was a visionary who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the first School of Nursing in the Cayman Islands, based at the Cayman Islands Hospital.

Nurse McLaughlin’s approach to nursing was revolutionary, emphasising the importance of empathy, compassion, and patient-centric care. She was a mentor to many, imparting wisdom and fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence. Her efforts in elevating nursing standards have made a lasting contribution to the healthcare system, ensuring that the Cayman Islands’ community benefits from highly skilled and dedicated nursing professionals.

Facing challenges in recruiting qualified nurses and acknowledging the financial hurdles locals encountered in seeking nursing education abroad, Ruth McLaughlin spearheaded the establishment of the Cayman Islands’ first Nursing School in 1971.

Nurse McLaughlin consistently encouraged nursing graduates to pursue further education and professional development for the improvement of the nursing field. She advocated tirelessly for better working conditions and the recognition of nursing as a valued profession. Her efforts led to the creation of the Cayman Islands Nurses Association, where she served as an advisor and was later honoured with a life membership.

Under her leadership, Health Services also underwent significant modernisation, from updating medical equipment to specialist nursing roles. Nurse McLaughlin’s contributions to nursing and the community were recognised with an MBE in 1975.

The renaming ceremony will take place at UCCI’s Sir Vassel Johnson Hall at 6pm on

4 April 2024. Special guest speakers include the Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, Premier and Minister for Finance, Education, District Administration, Lands and Cabinet Office; the Hon. Sabrina Turner, Minister for Health & Wellness and Home Affairs; Mrs. Hyacinth Rose, Cert. Hon., former nursing educator, Cayman Islands LPN Programme; and Ms. Lucille Seymour, BEM, MBE, former MP and family member of Nurse McLaughlin’s. The event will culminate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and official declaration of the Ruth Eleanor McLaughlin School of Nursing. Community members are encouraged to register to attend the free celebratory event by emailing pebanks@ucci.edu.ky

On April 5, 2024, following the previous day’s renaming ceremony, the school will host its first ever Biennial International Nursing and Midwifery Research Symposium. UCCI invites nurses, doctors, other health professionals, and community members to participate and witness this historic moment for the UCCI School of Nursing, the university, and the Cayman Islands.

Themed “The Challenges and Opportunities for Nursing and Midwifery in the 21st Century,” this symposium aims to bring together local and international healthcare professionals. Featuring international and local nurses, the event, highlighting cutting-edge research and exploring the impact of technology on patient care, will facilitate discussions on advancing the nursing and midwifery professions.

Some of the topics to be presented are:

• Pain, Depression and Fatigue Before and After Knee and Hip Arthroplasty

• Prevalence of High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL) and Invasive

Cervical Cancer in Females Aged 21 - 60 Years in Grand Cayman

• Culture Care: An Integrative Framework for Equity and Inclusion

• The Perspective of Parents Living in a Selected District in the Cayman Islands Regarding the Effects of Playing Video Games on their Children

This research conference is a platform for nurses and midwives to share their research findings with colleagues, other health professionals, and the wider community and show how they can translate research evidence into practice. This conference will also raise the awareness of our nursing students and aspirants about what the profession offers.

No registration fee is required. Continuing Education hours are available for re-licensure. Seats are limited so participants are asked to register early at www.ucci.edu.ky/nursing-symposium.

Dr. Robert Robertson, CEO and President of UCCI, emphasized the importance of these events: “We are incredibly proud to recognize Nurse Ruth McLaughlin’s monumental contributions to nursing in the Cayman Islands. Renaming the school in her honour is a fitting tribute to her legacy and an inspiration for our future nursing professionals. Additionally, our inaugural symposium represents a significant step towards fostering innovation and excellence in nursing and midwifery, aligning with our commitment to healthcare education and research.

We look forward to welcoming healthcare professionals and community members to celebrate the contribution that our nurses have made to the Cayman Islands.”

Quida Johnson-Shirley, Director of the School of Nursing, also shared her enthusiasm: “Hosting the Biennial International Nursing and Midwifery Research Symposium is a milestone for our school. It reflects our dedication to advancing the field through research and collaboration. We look forward to engaging with professionals from around the world to share insights and strategies for overcoming the challenges facing our profession today.”

The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) is a beacon of higher education in the Cayman Islands, offering a diverse range of academic and professional programmes. The School of Nursing at UCCI is dedicated to providing excellence in nursing education, fostering research, and preparing competent, compassionate nursing professionals to meet the healthcare needs of our community.