Head of nursing Kelly Kirtley and matron Emma Docherty from South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust were both honoured to receive the national accolade from The Queen’s Nursing Institute.
The title recognises Kelly and Emma’s exceptional contributions to nursing practice, patient care and leadership. The Queen’s Nurse programme brings together community nurses to develop their professional skills and deliver outstanding patient care in the community. Nurses, health visitors and midwives with five years’ experience working in the community, primary care and or social care are eligible to apply.
Emma has worked in community nursing for 14 years. Kelly and Emma worked together in community nursing for 12 years and Kelly as head of nursing for 18 months and have been driving nursing excellence across the Tees community.
Kelly said:
“This is a huge achievement and is an esteemed award recognising being part of a professional network of nurses committed to delivering and leading outstanding care in the community and will certainly have benefit for both the organisations and our community service. I am honoured to be awarded the QN title.
“Working in the community comes with differing challenges and it has been an absolute privilege to be able to support patients at home in what can be very complex situations. We have been involved in lots of service improvement and innovative work in the community setting and are dedicated to ensuring the care provided is the best it can be.”
Reflecting on the award, Emma explained: “Becoming a Queen’s nurse is an honour and privilege to which I am very grateful and humbled. I am committed to delivering high standard quality of care to our patients in the community. Being a Queen’s Nurse presents opportunities to network with different communities to improve patient-centred care.“
Amy Oxley, deputy chief nurse said:
“We are extremely proud of both Kelly and Emma having been awarded with the prestigious Queen’s Award. Their commitment to delivering, leading and improving community nursing care is commendable.
“Kelly and Emma are recognised within South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as passionate senior nurses influencing the delivery of healthcare in our patients’ home to the highest quality. It is, therefore, heartwarming that the Queen’s Institute have also recognised this tremendous commitment and contribution.
“Their achievement not only enriches the trust but it also serves as a source of inspiration for the wider nursing community.”