12 Solent NHS Trust Community Nurses receive prestigious Queen’s Nurse title
The Queen’s Nursing Institute has assigned the title of Queen’s Nurse to 12 of Solent NHS Trust’s most accomplished and experienced community nurses.
The Queen’s Nurse title is open to nurses, health visitors and midwives working in the community, reflecting their commitment to patient-centred values, excellent patient care and continual improvement within the NHS.
Nicola Packham, Modern Matron in Solent’s Integrated Community Children’s Nursing Service, and one of the recipients, said: “Nursing is a profession that I am immensely proud to belong to, and ever since I can remember, all I wanted to do was follow in my mum’s footsteps and make a difference to people’s lives.
“Nursing is constantly evolving, progressing, and responding to latest guidance and patient feedback, we flex and rise to the challenge, reflect on past experiences and change our practise to ensure the best outcomes. The Queen’s Nurse award is not just a badge or a title, it provides the opportunity to come together with like-minded, enthusiastic nurses who are proactive, forward thinking and determined to stretch the boundaries, challenge expectations and rewrite policy whilst continuing to champion excellence in community nursing and I am extremely proud to be part of this institution.”
The 12 Solent NHS Trust nurses were part of the 563 nurses working in community specialisms who received the title of Queen’s Nurse this year.
Jill Young, Head of Nursing in Professional Leadership at Solent, started her nursing career in 1981 in a small cottage hospital in the New Forest, and has also been awarded the Queen’s Nurse title.
She admitted: “Becoming a Queen’s Nurse is a highlight of my career, an opportunity to reflect but also an opportunity to continue to strive to support our community teams, utilising the vast network and experience of the Queen’s Nursing Institute. To be recognised with this award is an immense honour and privilege.”
Angela Anderson, Chief of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals at Solent NHS Trust and a Queen’s Nurse, added: “We are extremely proud of these 12 colleagues who have been recognised for their skills in, and dedication to, their nursing roles, helping those across our communities to live their lives as well and independent as possible. Congratulations to each of the twelve.”
The prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse was reintroduced in 2007 after a gap of almost 40 years. The title is not an award, but a recognition of a nurse’s commitment to ongoing learning, leadership and excellence in healthcare.
The honoured included:
- Adrian Walker
- Alice Macdonald-Parry
- Alison Hughes
- Frances Haig
- Giselle Hudson
- Jill Young
- Lisa Lee
- Marina Crail
- Nicola Packham
- Ruby Nandra
- Samantha Haynes
- Sarah Oborne
They will formally receive their award at an annual awards ceremony in London on 8 December and receive a Queen’s Nurse badge and a certificate.