Nursing officer Major Moira Kane recognised for outstanding services in Afghanistan
Nominated category: Deployed Healthcare Award
Maj Moira Kane is the Nursing Officer in Charge of the Emergency Department of the Role 3 Hospital in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. Her calm approach to what would be described in a atypical large hospital in the UK as a MAJOR INCIDENT, when these are happening on a daily basis is truly remarkable. She manages a large multidisciplinary team directing resources in order to maximise the benefit to the patients in the most appropriate way. The casualties are such that a lesser person faced with multiple cases with such injuries as bilateral traumatic amputations might panic. This lady is rock solid and an inspiration to all.
It is not unusual for this facility to have several severe 'Major Incidents' per week. It is essential that the person controlling this activity is cool, calm and collected under this immense pressure. Every one of the consultant specialists agrees that Maj Kane does an amazing job. Without exception every one of her team holds her in the highest regard. It matters not what time we get a Mass Incident, she is always there to ensure the casualties gets the very best of care, 24/7.
The consultant specialists here have all done multiple deployments and all agree that Maj Kane is exceptional in the way that she deals with the extreme pressures, cares for her patients and most importantly cares for her team who are witnessing trauma the likes of which they are very unlikely to witness anywhere else. Another impressive fact about Maj Kane is that she is a Reservist.
There have been many challenges on this Deployment, from the high workload to the difficulties with the high rate of consumption of critical supplies. Maj Kane has overcome all of these in her area through excellent management and leadership. It is essential that the person running the Emergency Department in this field of Operation is very carefully selected to ensure that they can cope with the pressures of this role.