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Tributes to RCN campaigner, who has died aged 36

LGBT activist fondly remembered by colleagues

A nurse, who has died aged 36, has been remembered by RCN colleagues for his ‘colourful personality’ and ‘amazing spirit’.

Dominic Walsh. Picture credit: John Houlihan

Dominic Walsh had worked in palliative care at a north London hospice and was an active RCN member, serving on the agenda committee and helping to arrange the annual congress for many years.

RCN deputy president and director of public health at Shropshire Council Roderick Thomson said: ‘He had an infectious laugh and a warm and friendly personality and people would go to him for help and advice.

'People recognised he was someone who was passionate about nursing and the development of services he worked in. When I looked on the tribute page on Facebook I was not surprised, but I was delighted to hear how warmly people were talking about him and how many people he had touched in his short life.’

RCN South Birmingham treasurer Becky Hoskins wrote on Facebook: ‘Dominic, you were a passionate nurse, fabulous RCN activist, advocate for nursing, a friend and part of my RCN family.

‘Congress and the world will not be the same with out you, your colourful personality, your amazing spirit and humour.’

Former RCN public health forum chair, and clinical services director at The Sussex Beacon Jason Warriner said: ‘Dominic was a leading campaigner who will be missed for his energy and commitment to nursing. He did a lot of work on LGBT issues in the RCN and nursing and at Pride events.’

In a statement, the RCN said of Mr Walsh: ‘He was closely involved in the planning of this year’s congress, and he’ll very much be with us in spirit in Glasgow next month. He was a passionate and active member who always put other members first, and he will be very sorely missed.’

Two years ago, Mr Walsh was named by Health Service Journal one of 25 leading LGBT role models in the NHS. One of those nominating him said, he ‘raises awareness of the impact of exclusion on LGBT communities, often at significant personal cost to himself'.

The judges concluded: “Dominic is particularly known for his focus on supporting young LGBT patients to have dignity towards the ends of their lives. That is powerful.’

Mr Walsh died on May 12, International Nurses Day.

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