Longriggend community nurse awarded prestigious Queen’s Nurse title

Longriggend community nurse awarded prestigious Queen’s Nurse title

Hannah McIlveen, a senior nurse therapist at NHS Lanarkshire, has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to community nursing by being awarded the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse. She was selected earlier this year to participate in a nine-month development programme led by the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS). After successfully completing the programme, Hannah, who also serves as the health partnerships manager at Scottish Ballet, was honoured with the Queen’s Nurse title at a ceremony held at the Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh.

Queen’s Nursing has a rich history in Scotland, dating back to the late 19th century when nurses underwent specialised training to provide healthcare to the underserved communities. The QNIS played a pivotal role in training district nurses until the late 1960s. The Queen’s Nurse title was reintroduced in Scotland in 2017, with around 20 community nurses and midwives selected each year to participate in the Queen’s Nurse Development Programme (QNDP) and subsequently bestowed with the title of Queen’s Nurses.

Dr Sarah Doyle, the Chief Executive and Nurse Director at QNIS, expressed her delight in awarding the Queen’s Nurse title to Hannah and 20 other exceptional nurses. She highlighted the vital role that community nurses play in advocating for and caring for those in need within their communities, often facing significant challenges. The Queen’s Nurse Development Programme aims to empower participants to lead innovative initiatives and address the pressing issues faced by their colleagues and communities.

The development programme includes a series of residential workshops, online sessions, and individual coaching, where participants are tasked with identifying a significant issue to work on that will benefit those under their care, with a focus on promoting equity and inclusion. Community nurses provide a wide range of services, from supporting older individuals with complex care needs to advocating for individuals with learning disabilities, among other essential roles they fulfil.

The Queen’s Nurse title holds great esteem in the nursing community, symbolising excellence and dedication to improving healthcare access and outcomes in communities across Scotland. Through initiatives like the Queen’s Nurse Development Programme, nurses like Hannah McIlveen continue to inspire and lead positive change in the field of community nursing.

**Summary:**
Hannah McIlveen, a senior nurse therapist at NHS Lanarkshire, has recently been awarded the esteemed title of Queen’s Nurse for her remarkable contributions to community nursing. The Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland recognises the vital role of community nurses in providing healthcare and promoting well-being within local communities. The Queen’s Nurse Development Programme equips nurses with the skills and knowledge to address pressing healthcare issues and advocate for inclusivity and equity in healthcare delivery. The Queen’s Nurse title signifies a commitment to excellence and innovation in community nursing, where nurses like Hannah continue to make a positive impact on healthcare practices in Scotland.