Three community nurses have been given the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse.
Louise Canovan, Helen Davis and Julia Higginson, who all work at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, were handed the accolade by nursing charity The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) for their commitment to high standards of patient care, learning and leadership.
It follows a rigorous application process which required detailed evidence of professional practice and feedback from colleagues, patients and families.
Chief Executive at ELHT Martin Hodgson said: “I’m so proud of Louise, Helen and Julia for this really well-deserved achievement.
“At ELHT we’re blessed with brilliant teams who work in a range of roles in the community – including our fantastic district nursing teams – who are really committed to providing the best possible care to patients from the comfort of their own home rather than in traditional hospital settings. This is not only beneficial to patients but also ensures hospital beds are used in the most effective way.
“Receiving a Queen’s Nurse title is an incredible honour and recognises the exceptional care they give to our patients, as well as their passion for community nursing.”
Helen Davis, Clinical Team Leader for Hyndburn Rural District Nursing Team, said: “What an honour! I am so proud to have been awarded the Queen’s Nurse title.
“I feel that it will assist me in my passion for community nursing. I also look forward to being able to network with other Queen’s Nurses to enhance the care that I can provide in the community."
Julia Higginson, Community Team Sister, added that the title gave her a ‘sense of pride to be able to promote the role of community nursing.’
The QNI is dedicated to improving the nursing care of people at home or in the community and the Nurse’s Award is a way of highlighting nurses who are delivering high quality services.
Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, Chief Executive of the QNI, said: “On behalf of the QNI I would like to congratulate Louise, Helen and Julia and welcome them as a Queen’s Nurse.
“Queen’s Nurses serve as leaders and role models in community nursing, delivering high quality health care across the country.”