Tributes paid to QNI Vice President

Trustees and staff at the Queen’s Nursing Institute have paid tribute to their Vice President who died in September.

Michael Cooper was a patron appointed trustee of the QNI for 18 years, from 2003 until 2021 and served as Vice-Chair until 2013.  

He became a Vice President of the QNI in 2019. Michael also served as a member of the QNI’s Finance Committee for many years, he was also a grants advisor and the Chair of the ‘Support for Nurses’ annual review meeting throughout his time as a trustee.

As an active member of the Finance Committee, Michael gave very sage advice, having been the Chief Executive of Diabetes UK for many years prior to his retirement.  

Among those who have paid tribute to Michael was QNI Chief Executive, Dr Crystal Oldman, CBE, who said: “Michael was the most wonderful Trustee, Vice Chair and later Vice President.

“He was relentless in his active support of the QNI and I shall be forever grateful for his wisdom and kindness in supporting me as Chief Executive over the last nine years.

“He was a true champion of the Support for Nurses work of the QNI and was deeply committed to ensuring nurses in the community were supported with grants for financial hardship and education. 

“Michael was deeply interested in the work of all nurses in the community and their power to impact on peoples’ lives.

“He attended all QNI annual conferences and annual awards ceremonies and whilst there, he was always to be found animated conversation with nurses about the reality of their work.  

“Michael was a true gentleman and he will be deeply missed by all at the QNI.”

Michael was also the link Trustee for the Support for Nurses function at the QNI throughout his time as a trustee. This included supporting the QNI Keep in Touch and TalkToUs programmes, meeting volunteers annually and also promoting the support of nurses through grants for financial hardship and education.