Jane Wilson Fund
In 1986 the first International Occupational Health Nursing Conference organised by the Scottish Senior Nurse Managers Group took place. Over thirty countries attended yet Occupational Health Nursing in Scotland was not even on the world map at the time.
Six months later in 1987 the Scottish Forum came into being and continues to this day.
Following on from this , there was a wish to keep the momentum going and to raise the profile of Scotland to the rest of the world.
This was done through the work of two senior Occupational Health Nurses Frances Baker and Jane Wilson (who was the Chief Nursing Officer for Scottish and Newcastle Breweries). The Occupational Health Journal was approached and a series of four articles were written highlighting OH Nursing in Scotland. Both Jane Wilson and Frances Baker received a sum of money for their time, energy and effort in writing these articles .They, along with the other Scottish Forum committee members, felt that if the Forum was to grow and become a success it was important that as many Scottish OH nurses as possible should attended the annual educational meeting.
"The initial intention of this fund was to give financial support to nurses who wanted to be present at conference but did not have financial assistance from their companies and could not afford the whole amount. As the years have passed the money has tended to be given to students but the original intention was much wider" (Baker 2005)
The original fund was set up 1987. Every year until 2009 there has been an opportunity for nurses (including students) to apply for some financial assistance from this fund in order to assist in the cost of attending the RCN OHN Forum Scotland conference.
Unfortunately,the original "Jane Wilson"fund has now become exhausted.However, it has been agreed by the Forum committee that nurses would continue to receive support to attend the annual conference,through committee funds.
Applications for this fund should be made in writing each year to: -
Jenny Crawford
RCN OHN Forum Scotland (Conference Organiser)
C/o Walkers Shortbread Ltd
Aberlour-on-Spey
Banffshire
AB38 9PD
Or email: jenny.crawford@walkers-shortbread.co.uk
- When applying students are expected to give proof of study along with notification that they have approached their employer asking for financial assistance but where their employer has declined.