A nurse at Hamelin Trust, has been given the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse (QN) by community nursing charity The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI).
Shoenagh Mackay, Director of Care, has been recognised for her commitment to high standards of patient care, learning and leadership, after being nominated by those receiving care, their families, and colleagues.
Hamelin Trust was founded 40 years ago and supports young people with learning disabilities and autism across its sites in Billericay, Wickford, and Rochford, committed to creating compassionate communities for disabled people and their families.
Those who hold the title of Queen’s Nurse benefit from developmental workshops, bursaries, networking opportunities, and a shared professional identity which in turn will benefit those they care for.
Shoenagh said she was ‘honoured’ to have been recognised.
She said: “It’s a very proud moment for me – I wanted to be a nurse since I was 4-years-old to support those in need.
“I’m humbled to have been recognised by those receiving support and their families as well as my colleagues, and I’m proud to be flying the flag for learning disability nurses who all do an amazing job.”
Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, Chief Executive of the QNI said: “On behalf of the QNI I would like to congratulate Shoenagh and welcome her 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.
“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 Shoenagh and all other new Queen’s Nurses who have received the title this year.”
You can find out more about Hamelin Trust at www.hamelintrust.org.uk
Photo credit: Kate Stanworth