Angel of Siberia in line for top nursing award

MOTHER-OF-TWO Maureen Gill has been recognised for her tireless efforts in improving care for the terminally ill in Russia.

Mrs Gill, 54, of Pound Lane, Marlow, has been nominated for one of 16 prestigious nursing awards in recognition of her work in Siberia over the last two years.

She has been shortlisted for the Robert Tiffany International Award, the winner of which will be announced on Monday.

She has worked at hospices, hospitals, HIV and Aids units, nursing homes and patient homes, helping to create a more flexible and caring environment within the country's health system.

Mrs Gill said: 'One old man told me that since our visits the staff now treat him with their hearts as well as their heads - a very moving moment for all of us.'

Mrs Gill added: 'If I were to win I would like to use this award to raise the profile of what is going on in Siberia. One of the worst things is seeing these people in terrible pain and not being able to do anything to help them, with very few drugs, equipment and poorly trained staff.'

She said that the amount of painkilling drugs wasted in UK hospitals could go a long way to alleviating the suffering of the terminally ill in Russia.

As well as teaching her Russian colleagues, Mrs Gill has helped to set up a quiet room, a chapel with a priest's support and a small library.

She has also supplied basic medical equipment such as sterile needles and swabs.

Mrs Gill faced many obstacles which she says included an outdated medical system, a 'Mafia-ridden' impoverished culture and travelling by foot in temperatures of minus 42 degrees.

But despite the hardship, she is set to return soon.

Angel of Siberia in line for top nursing award

MOTHER-OF-TWO Maureen Gill has been recognised for her tireless efforts in improving care for the terminally ill in Russia.

Mrs Gill, 54, of Pound Lane, Marlow, has been nominated for one of 16 prestigious nursing awards in recognition of her work in Siberia over the last two years.

She has been shortlisted for the Robert Tiffany International Award, the winner of which will be announced on Monday.

She has worked at hospices, hospitals, HIV and Aids units, nursing homes and patient homes, helping to create a more flexible and caring environment within the country's health system.

Mrs Gill said: 'One old man told me that since our visits the staff now treat him with their hearts as well as their heads - a very moving moment for all of us.'

Mrs Gill added: 'If I were to win I would like to use this award to raise the profile of what is going on in Siberia. One of the worst things is seeing these people in terrible pain and not being able to do anything to help them, with very few drugs, equipment and poorly trained staff.'

She said that the amount of painkilling drugs wasted in UK hospitals could go a long way to alleviating the suffering of the terminally ill in Russia.

As well as teaching her Russian colleagues, Mrs Gill has helped to set up a quiet room, a chapel with a priest's support and a small library.

She has also supplied basic medical equipment such as sterile needles and swabs.

Mrs Gill faced many obstacles which she says included an outdated medical system, a 'Mafia-ridden' impoverished culture and travelling by foot in temperatures of minus 42 degrees.

But despite the hardship, she is set to return soon.