University News Last updated 11 September
From the UK to Ukraine, and from Vietnam to Zambia, Professor Joy Notter has transformed the lives of thousands of people through her many healthcare initiatives over the past 50 years.
Now the Birmingham City University stalwart has been recognised for the extraordinary global impact of her work by earning a top accolade at the prestigious Alliance Awards.
At a ceremony in London on Tuesday night, the Professor of Community Healthcare Studies was presented with The Technology One Lifetime Achievement Award.
“I have loved every minute and I’m intensely proud of being a nurse,” said Professor Notter, an expert in public health, community nursing, and cancer education.
“Nursing is like an iceberg. Everything we do is hidden. Patients are at the centre, but the knowledge, expertise, and the hours are underneath the surface.”
On winning the award, Joy commented: “I still can’t believe it. I was delighted to be nominated, but never thought I would win.
“It is overwhelming to be given such an award and the generous response from everyone there was very humbling. I just want to thank everyone for their support.”
Professor Ian Blair, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences (HELS) at BCU, added: “Joy’s devotion to and passion for healthcare has long been admired. Her numerous international projects continue to do immeasurable good and will have a long-lasting legacy.
“Joy is a shining light, BCU is incredibly proud of her, and this award is fantastic recognition for her many years of outstanding service, both in the UK and around the world.”
One of the driving forces behind the Centre for International Health Partnerships, Professor Notter has spent two decades strengthening nursing capacity in eight countries, often working alongside BCU colleague Chris Carter, an Associate Professor.
The indomitable duo is currently working on critical care projects in Vietnam and Zambia.
“Our approach sustains practice,” said Professor Notter. “We aim to create something they own. It’s not ours. We give people confidence. We’re becoming mentors now - and rightly so.”
Professor Notter started her career as a nurse, working in acute settings. She then became a health visitor before gaining her master’s degree, PhD, and joining BCU.
She says her mantra is all about improving care.
“If you’re willing to take the risk, you can change things,” she said.
“You can have the fantastic time I’ve had supporting patients and the international community of nursing by sharing the knowledge and expertise we sometimes take for granted.”
A founding editor of British Journal of Nursing, British Journal of Community Nursing, and British Journal of Midwifery, Professor Notter is also a fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine.
She is a former president and fellow of the European Association for Cancer Education, and a fellow of the Academic College of the American Association for Cancer Education.
She has also been a member of the International Validation team for the European Oncology Nurses Society and has been a member of the Royal College of Nursing for more than 40 years.
In 2012, she was awarded a campaign medal for services to health by the Vietnamese Government. In 2017, she became an honorary professor at Hanoi Medical University.