Three St Helena Hospice nurses who care for people at home in need of hospice support, have been awarded the title of Queen’s Nurse in recognition of their high level of commitment to patient care and nursing practice.
Nicky Coombes, Ross Chirgwin and Cathy Sands received their award at a ceremony held by The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) on Friday 29th November at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in London.
The ceremony brought together 587 community nurses from across the UK to highlight the exceptional work of community nurses across nursing services, education, innovation and leadership, and the vital role they play in the healthcare system.
The title of Queen’s Nurse gives Nicky, Ross and Cathy formal recognition of their commitment to improving patient care.
Ross Chirgwin, a palliative care rapid response clinical nurse specialist and non medical prescriber in St Helena Hospice’s 24/7 SinglePoint team, said:
“Becoming a Queens Nurse has given me a great sense of pride and demonstrates my passion and commitment for community nursing. The role will enable me to develop my leadership skills and act as role model within nursing.”
Melanie White, associate director of clinical services at St Helena Hospice, added:
“As an organisation, we are incredibly proud of Nicky, Ross, and Cathy; three amazing nurses who consistently go above and beyond for our patients and their families.
“Our entire nursing team is committed to supporting local individuals during their most vulnerable moments, whether at the Hospice inpatient unit or in homes throughout north east Essex. Their compassion and kindness shine through every single day.
“We are deeply grateful for everything they do and the difference they make in so many lives.”
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Photocaption: (l-r) Ross Chirgwin, Cathy Sands and Nicky Coombes, St Helena Hospice nurses who care for people at home in need of hospice support, awarded the title of Queen’s Nurse
About St Helena Hospice
St Helena Hospice was established in 1985 and provides specialist end of life care and support for people living in north east Essex who face incurable illness and bereavement.
The emphasis for this charity is about quality of life and services include the Hospice, Hospice in the Home, bereavement support, virtual ward, and SinglePoint 24/7 advice line and rapid response.
More than 90% of support is carried out by the Hospice in the Home team in people’s own place of residence. 80% of the income needed to run St Helena is raised through the local community giving donations; buying in St Helena shops; playing Your Hospice Lottery; and leaving gifts in Wills. Vital funds for St Helena are also raised through supporting its commercial and social enterprise activities.
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