From left to right, in the blue jacket is Sis Dorrie Patterson's niece,  Mrs Hillary Robertson,  RN Robie-Ann Shippey who was nominated for bursary award, RN Shavel Walford who was awarded the bursary and Mrs Jacqueline Kennedy who is Sister Patterson's sister

TRIBUTE TO DORRIE ELAINE PATTERSON

Miss Dorrie Elaine Patterson affectionately called “Sister Pat” started her nursing career at the Kingston Public Hospital, on September 13, 1950. She was a member of Batch 6 and in August 1952 she transferred to the newly established Nursing School at the University College Hospital of the West Indies.

This outstanding student graduated in January 1954, and was appointed to the post of Staff Nurse. Miss Patterson further went on to pursue her Midwifery Training at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital. She returned to the University College Hospital of the West Indies in February 1956, and by July of that same year she earned the distinction of being the first graduate to be appointed Ward Sister, and was also given the Hospital’s Nurses’ badge by the Board of Management.

In 1973 she was promoted to the post of Departmental Sister in charge of the Surgical Wards. She continued to display outstanding leadership qualities, caring attitude to patients, and was also a positive role model for all nurses.

Her continued interest in maintaining high standards of patient care and the expertise displayed in clinical nursing, resulted in her reassignment as Quality Assurance Coordinator for the hospital in 1990. She continued in this role full time until October 1994, transitioning to Part time in December 1994 until she retired in January 2004. She updated her knowledge continuously through specialized courses and workshops, and was instrumental in developing the following for use by all nursing staff:

• Procedure and Policy Manuals
• Nursing standards
• Patient Audits
• Patient Classification System

Miss Patterson was a committed member of the Nurses Association of Jamaica, and an active member of the Caribbean Nurses Organization. She chaired the Nursing Services Committee, and later the National Nursing Standards Committee.

She was instrumental in the development of the following:

• Caribbean Standards of Nursing Care for Hospitals and Community Services, 1974 1nd 1976
• In 1983 these were revised and became known as Caribbean Standards of Nursing Care
• Miss Patterson’s commitment to the high standards of nursing care has been exemplary hence she was awarded the following:
•  
  

  Caribbean Nurses Organization’s Mavis Harney Award for contribution to clinical nursing in the Caribbean 1982

• The Prime Minister’s Award for excellence in the field of health, 1983
• Special tributes from her colleagues at the University Hospital of the West Indies and the Nurses Association of Jamaica Island Conference, for her contribution to the profession in 1978 and 1992
• Special Award given to her at NAJ  Founder’s Day 2000 for her contribution to the Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ)
• Jamaica 50 Living Legacy Award for Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) 2012
• National Honours in 2016- The Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer for Outstanding Contribution to  the Nursing Profession in Jamaica and the Caribbean

Her contribution to the University Hospital League of Graduate Nurses was unparallel and she devoted much time and effort to the growth and development of the alumni. She became the Patron of the League, and the Dorrie Patterson Bursary was started. Three UHWI Nurses pursuing the Critical Care Course   received awards. Unfortunately because of varying reasons the league dissolved in October 2018.

This is the 11^th anniversary of the Dorrie Patterson Research Conference, where quality is showcased. Over the years Sister Pat enjoyed listening to the presentations, was keen to hear how things have evolved through research, and never ceased to remind us to always give compassionate quality care to all our patients.

Sister Pat left us suddenly on the 26^th February 2020. May her soul rest in peace.