23 December 2025
A Nurse Practitioner from Wolverhampton’s New Cross Hospital has been honoured with a national award for exceptional service during a military exercise in Kenya.
Robin McMahon won the annual Military Nursing Award by the Worshipful Company of Nurses – with his “unwavering compassion” among his many qualities highlighted.
He served in the Army Reserves for 15 years with 306 Hospital Support Regiment. In addition, he is the Defence Specialist Advisor, covering paediatric nursing provision and innovation across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The accolade, which recognises outstanding contributions to military Nursing, was presented by Hilary Andrews, Master of the Worshipful Company of Nurses, during a ceremony at Grocers’ Hall in London on 20 November.
Robin, who is a Senior Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, received a framed certificate and a silver trophy in recognition of his exemplary service during a humanitarian initiative supporting the Kenyan Ministry of Health and Defence Forces.
British soldiers, mainly reservists, worked alongside medical specialists, Nurses, Paramedics and a Physiotherapist to bring medical care to some of the most isolated communities across Laikipia and Samburu counties in Kenya.
Robin, who works for The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, was nominated by Colonel Kevin Forbes, Commanding Officer of 306 Hospital Support Regiment.
The nomination highlighted his “calm authority, professional expertise and unwavering compassion,” as well as his “cultural sensitivity and mission-first approach” during a challenging deployment.
Robin said: “My focus was simply to ensure a successful deployment to Kenya and to safeguard the wellbeing of our team, so this recognition came completely out of the blue.
“Kenya was a very remote working environment. The poverty was extreme, yet the work was incredibly rewarding. The children, in particular, were so welcoming and delighted to see us.”