Services

Locala colleagues given the Royal Seal of Approval

Two Locala colleagues have been given a special accolade by becoming Queen’s Nurses in recognition of the high standard of their patient care.

Gill Addy, Designated Nurse for Kirklees Looked after Children and Care Leavers, and Clair Barrow, Locala Operations Manager and Registered Nurse, have both been awarded the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse (QN) by community nursing charity The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI).

The title is not an award for past service, but indicates the commitment to high standards of patient care, learning and leadership from the pair in their roles supporting people and colleagues across Kirklees.

The pair were presented with their awards at a recent ceremony in London organised by the QNI. In addition, due to her role working with Kirklees Council’s Children’s Social Care service, Gill was invited by the Mayor of Kirklees, Cllr Mumtaz Hussain, to attend a recent Council meeting where she was commended for her work.

Julie Clennell, Locala’s Director of Quality Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, said: “Locala is committed to providing high quality care for people in our communities and this recognition for Gill and Clair is a fabulous example of that work.

“It’s not just about the care they show but also how they support colleagues and are committed to their own learning and personal development, so being awarded Queen’s Nurse status is well deserved for both Gill and Clair.

Nurses who hold the title of Queen’s Nurse benefit from developmental workshops, bursaries, networking opportunities, and a shared professional identity.

Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, Chief Executive of the QNI said: ‘On behalf of the QNI I would like to congratulate Gill and Clair and welcome them as Queen’s Nurses.

“Queen’s Nurses serve as leaders and role models in community nursing, delivering high quality health care across the country.

The application and assessment process to become a Queen’s Nurse is rigorous and requires clear commitment to improving care for patients, their families and carers. We look forward to working with Gill and Clair and all other new Queen’s Nurses who have received the title this year.’

The title of Queen’s Nurse is open to registered nurses with more than five years’ experience working in the community. Managers and patients provide feedback about applicants, which is assessed along with their application. More information about how to apply is available at http://www.qni.org.uk

The Queen’s Nursing Institute is a registered charity founded in 1887 and believes in the best possible nursing care for people at home. The institute works with nurses and decision makers to ensure that good quality nursing is available to everyone, when they need it.

For more information contact Steve Pearson, Locala Communications Manager, on [email protected] or 07763 545 164.