Two nurses from Livewell Southwest have been given the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse for providing the highest standards of patient care in the community.
Megan-Louise Bonner and Lisa-Marie Veale work in Plymouth as District Nurse Specialist Practitioners and have been recognised for their ongoing commitment to supporting the treatment of people with complex medical needs in the comfort of their own surroundings.
The title of Queen’s Nurse has its roots in the late Victorian era, to indicate an enhanced level of training undertaken by a hospital-trained nurse to prepare them to work as a District Nurse.
The title amalgamated into other nursing titles over the years and fell out of use. It was revived in 2007 as a special recognition for the most experienced District Nurses, who champion the importance of strong district nursing care in the community.
District Nurses support people living with complex long-term health conditions that often prevent them from leaving their homes by administering treatment, providing wound care, supporting rehabilitation and promoting health education. They ensure all patients receive a personalised care approach even when not in hospital.
Megan-Louise Bonner receiving her award presented by Professor Dame Elizabeth Nneka Anionwu DBE, QNI Vice President and Patron of the Mary Seacole Trust. Photo credit: Queen’s Nursing Institute
Megan and Lisa are the latest to be acknowledged with a Queen’s Nurse title, joining 19 other Livewell nurses to be recognised in recent years for their contribution to the profession in Plymouth, South Hams and West Devon.
Megan-Louise Bonner attended a presentation ceremony to commemorate her achievement and said: “To be awarded the Queen’s Nurse title is an honour and it allows me to share my commitment with the Queen’s Nurse community, by working collaboratively to promote high-quality and compassionate care to our community in the South West.”
The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) also recognise those who are involved in the development of future nursing talent. Livewell’s Nursing Professional Lead, Shona Cornish has been awarded for her Executive Nursing Leadership.
Shona Cornish receiving her award presented by Professor Dame Elizabeth Nneka Anionwu DBE, QNI Vice President and Patron of the Mary Seacole Trust.
Photo credit: Queen’s Nursing Institute
Shona was recognised for the crucial role she plays in ensuring Livewell continues to improve its community nursing service to better suit the needs of patients, and for her enthusiasm and commitment to advancing the skills within the profession.
Shona was one of the first two nurses to hold a Queen’s Nurse title at Livewell Southwest in 2016, for her work in supporting complex health conditions as part of the out-of-hour district nursing service.
Now working in a role overseeing the training and development of nursing roles in Livewell, Shona has been selected as one of the 12 nurses nationally to receive an award for their contribution as a leader.
The news was described as a real ‘pinch-me’ moment for Shona, who said: “To be recognised by the QNI as a successful candidate in my application and interview process gave me personal recognition of my leadership journey.
“It has been a privilege to be supported by Livewell to apply for the programme and I owe thanks to so many people who have supported me in giving me the confidence to apply for such a course.”
Dawn Slater, Director of People and Professionalism for Livewell Southwest, commented: “Megan, Lisa and Shona should be extremely proud of their achievements. Receiving recognition from the Queen’s Nursing Institute is a testament to their character, hard work and dedication. It also showcases the value of nursing in Livewell.
“Livewell now has 19 Queen’s Nurses within our community nursing services, which acts as a reminder of the crucial role that District Nurses play within the health and social care system and of the impact nurses have on the lives of people within the Plymouth, South Hams and West Devon communities.”
If you would like to know more about becoming a Queen’s Nurse, or to read more about their leadership programmes, please visit: https://qni.org.uk/.
