My aunt, Kathleen Robb, who has died aged 97, led hospital and community nursing services in north and west Belfast with courage and tenacity during the height of Northern Ireland’s civil disturbances. She was one of the most outstanding and notable nurses that Northern Ireland has produced.
Born in Belfast into a prominent Methodist family, she was the daughter of Don Robb, a linen merchant, and his wife, Jane (nee Robb). She attended Princess Gardens school, Belfast, and began her nursing training in 1941 at the Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. She completed her training at the Royal Victoria hospital, which was to become her spiritual home.
Following a period as matron of Armagh’s two hospitals, in 1964 Kathleen joined a new team planning major capital works on the Royal Victoria hospital site – the “only female”, noted the local press. This was the first time in Northern Ireland that a nurse had been involved in planning at that level.
In 1966 Kathleen was appointed matron of the Royal Victoria. Then, in 1973 following a reorganisation, she became the district administrative nursing officer responsible for hospital and community nursing in north and west Belfast, one of the most deprived areas in Northern Ireland. During this reorganisation, she had to fight to ensure that nurses were fully represented at all levels where decisions about nursing were made - something now taken for granted.
When the Troubles began in 1969 the Royal was not only the major centre for the treatment of victims, but it was often in the front line. That standards of nursing care and morale were maintained during this time was largely thanks to Kathleen’s leadership and her professional commitment. These qualities were recognised in 1970 when she was appointed officer sister of the Order of St John and in 1973 appointed OBE. In 1977 she was made a fellow of the Royal College of Nursing, the college’s highest honour. According to the citation, she had “demonstrated to an outstanding degree those qualities and attributes which accord with the highest traditions of the nursing profession”.
Following retirement in 1984, Kathleen continued to contribute to the development of the nursing profession - acknowledged by an RCN lifetime achievement award in 2003 - and to many other community causes. She was a governor of Methodist College, Belfast, for 10 years and served on the Methodist church’s Council on Social Responsibility. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed both entertaining and giving gifts of her baking.
In May 2016, when nurses were granted the Freedom of the City of Belfast in recognition of their service during the difficult days of the Troubles, Kathleen was singled out for a standing ovation at the ceremony.
Kathleen is survived by her older sister, Helen, and four nephews and nieces.
