The School of Nursing and Midwifery is in mourning today after the sudden death of the inaugural Head of School, Professor Jean Orr CBE at her home.

A friend and colleague to all, Prof Orr set Nursing and Midwifery on track within Queen's and forged our place in the University.  Known to us simply as 'Prof', her leadership, professionalism and vivacious style remain very strong to this day in the memory of all of us who knew and loved her.

Professor Jean Orr was the first Head of School of Nursing & Midwifery at Queen’s University Belfast. She had superb vision and academic judgement, setting up a School that would educate graduate nurses across each of the four fields of Nursing and Midwifery - making a substantial contribution to healthcare in Northern Ireland. Professor Orr was originally from Belfast but worked in the UK as a Health Visitor and Eventually became a lecturer in University of Manchester before returning to Queens to become the Head of School. She enjoyed a distinguished career at QUB and remained in touch with the School since she retired some twelve years ago. In 2019 Professor Orr was honoured with a portrait commission for the walls of the Great Hall at Queens and she enjoyed a celebratory dinner to mark this occasion. She has left an indelible memory on the staff and students within the School and her legacy of professionalism and culture of caring remains in place to this day.