Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visits RGU

The Princess Royal is Patron of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and spoke with staff from Robert Gordon University, representatives from NHS Grampian and local community services.

Accompanied by the Deputy Lieutenant of the City of Aberdeen Mrs Morven Mackenzie, Her Royal Highness met Professor Steve Olivier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Robert Gordon University, Dr Adam Coldwells, Interim Chief Executive of NHS Grampian, and Mrs Odeth Richardson, Chair of Council, Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

Her Royal Highness also engaged with occupational therapy academic staff and students in Robert Gordon University’s clinical skills centre and unveiled a commemorative plaque to celebrate The Princess Royal’s visit. This plaque will be positioned in the grounds of the Robert Gordon University adjacent to a centenary tree, which has been planted to mark 100 years since Margaret Barr Fulton was appointed to her position at what is now known as Royal Cornhill Hospital in Aberdeen.

This tree has grown from a sapling of a tree planted in 1997 in the grounds at Astley Ainslie Hospital in Edinburgh to commemorate 60 years of occupational therapy education in Scotland and we are delighted for this to be positioned within Robert Gordon Universiy, the future of occupational therapy education in Aberdeen.

Her Royal Highness also presented the Margaret Barr Fulton Award to Donna Morrison, who graduated with a Master of Occupational Therapy from RGU earlier this year. For this particular award, students nominate the peer who has made the most significant contribution to the class throughout the course.  The ceremony, held at Robert Gordon University’s Sir Ian Wood Building, was watched by more than 100 representatives from the academic and health and social care sectors who were attending an event focussed on the legacy of Margaret Barr Fulton.

Professor Steve Olivier, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Robert Gordon University, said: "We are delighted that The Princess Royal, as Patron of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, has visited Robert Gordon University as we mark 100 years since Margaret Barr Fulton become the United Kingdom’s first qualified occupational therapist here in Aberdeen.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to welcome The Princess Royal and give our students the opportunity to speak to Her Royal Highness and showcase the important clinical skills they are learning ahead of making a significant impact on the communities across the North East of Scotland and beyond.” 

Odeth Richardson, Chair of Council, Royal College of Occupational Therapists and Head of Occupational Therapy at the Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals, said: “Today’s visit was a powerful reflection and showcase of the past, present, and future of occupational therapy. It was inspiring to meet current practitioners and the next generation of occupational therapists, whose innovation and dedication in the workforce will continue to shape the ongoing positive impact occupational therapy has on people’s lives.”

Interim NHS Grampian Chief Executive Adam Coldwells said: "We have a longstanding tradition of healthcare innovation in North East Scotland. The fact that Aberdeen was home to the first qualified occupational therapist in the UK is further proof of that and I am delighted to be part of these celebrations."

Main image: Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal speaking with Occupational Therapy students at RGU