ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, March 20th, 2012 – The late M. Adina Donovan is remembered as a nursing pioneer by Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton.
In remembering the life of Adina Donovan who will be laid to rest on Wednesday, Honourable Skelton stated, “She worked tirelessly using the skills of care, patience, understanding, love, dedication, and the knowledge obtained from others and institutions, such as Holberton Hospital in Antigua, the Royal College of Nursing in London, and the University Hospital of the West Indies in Jamaica.”
Honourable Skelton said, “She did her job with efficiency and commitment, and ensured that the needs of the people, and the goals of the Government of the Virgin Islands were met. From her sterling service, the people of these Virgin Islands received excellent health care and for that, we are truly grateful.”
Adina Donovan was exposed to nursing at an early age when her mother became a nurse. As a teenager, she learned first aid with the then Medical Officer and Commissioner of the Virgin Islands, Dr. D.P. Wailing, and she was encouraged to consider a career in nursing.
On January 1, 1942 she joined the medical staff of Cottage Hospital as a student nurse where she worked for ten hours during the day and twelve hours on shift work. During her nursing career she rose to the ranks of Nursing Sister in 1955, to Matron in 1960, becoming the first nurse to hold this position, and in 1969 to Chief Nursing Officer.
The Minister for Health and Social Development noted that in spite of the transportation challenges faced during those times, Miss Adina Donovan remained steadfast and made the nursing profession noble.
According to Honourable Skelton, Adina Donovan leaves a legacy in the health sector, and will forever be remembered through the former Home for the Aged, which on May 15, 1987, was renamed the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly, in recognition of her many contributions to health care.
Minister Skelton extends condolences to her family on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Social Development, its departments and units.
The thanksgiving service for the life of the late Adina Donovan begins at 10:30am on Wednesday, March 21 at the St. Georges Episcopal Church. There will be no viewing.
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