By Nurse Gracita Christopher

It seemed like yesterday - though far back in time - when the medical staff at Cottage Hospital welcomed our new colleague Mr. Claudio Hodge to the fold. Claud, as he is affectionately known, was employed as an Orderly, on 1st October 1990, and carried out his assigned duties mostly unsupervised.

Mr. Claude Hodge

His work and dedication to duty were exemplary. In the process he developed a passion for his career and was determined to take it to the next level.

Claud, while still an Orderly, gradually became involved in the duties of the Nurses Aides and performed them well. Unofficially, he continued this awesome responsibility whenever it was necessary, and became an asset to the local nursing body particularly during times of shortage or when a Nurse Aide was not readily available.

History was made when on 26th August 2002 when Claud was transferred to the post of Nurse Aide. His dream of serving his people through the noble profession of nursing had come true. It brought much excitement to all the staff at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Anguilla now had its first male nurse, one who could rank with male nurses anywhere.

Claude executed his duties with great dignity and pride and was always firstand foremost in giving assistance to those in need. Most times he was the volunteer nurse to accompany patients overseas for further medical care. He was always willing to go the extra mile and was a good team player.

Today, with a twist of fate, Claud is a patient at the same institution where he cared for those in need. And today we want to administer that same quality of treatment as we care for him in his time of need. As we enter Nurses Week, the Anguilla Nurses Association, to which he has given so muchof his time, stops to give recognition for his tremendous service and to remind him how special he is and how much we love and appreciate him and his passionate work.

We are thankful that Claud chose a career in the medical and health service but particularly in the noble profession of nursing. Claud, touched all our lives in a positive way. We pray God’s blessings upon him especially at this time of his illness. “We are proud of him and we love him dearly.”

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