A LEARNING Disability Nurse who supports patients in Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest has been given the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse (QN).
Michelle Griffin, Community Learning Disability Nurse for the Worcestershire Community Learning Disabilities Team at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, collected her Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) award in London.
As part of the team, Michelle provides specialist healthcare to adults with learning disabilities whose needs cannot be met by mainstream services alone.
The team helps ensure people with learning disabilities receive the same care and treatment as everyone else when there is a concern about their physical or mental health.
The Queen’s Nurse programme brings together community nurses to develop their professional skills and deliver outstanding patient care in the community.
The title highlights Michelle’s commitment to high standards of patient care, learning and leadership.
Nurses who hold the title benefit from developmental workshops, bursaries, networking opportunities, and a shared professional identity.
Michelle said: “I am absolutely thrilled, proud, and honoured to have been awarded the title of Queen’s Nurse.
“I qualified as a Registered Learning Disability Nurse 28 years ago and have worked much of that time for Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust in the Community Learning Disability Team(s).”
She added her work helped her patients access the most appropriate services available and enabled them to live inclusive and fulfilling lives within their community.
She said it was fantastic to be recognised nationally and thanked her North Worcestershire Community Learning Disability Team manager for their support and kindness in achieving the title.
Michelle Billings, Manager for Worcestershire Community Learning Disabilities Teams/IST, said the award was very well-deserved.
“Michelle is an avid advocate and is trusted and valued by her patients and respected by her peers, she is an inspiring role model to community learning disability nursing and this award reflects her commitment to her role and the community she serves.”
Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, Chief Executive of the QNI, said the application process to become a Queen’s Nurse was rigorous and required clear commitment to improving care for patients, their families and carers.
The Queen’s Nurse title is open to registered nurses with more than five years experience working in the community.
Managers and patients provide feedback about applicants which is assessed along with their application.
Visit qni.org.uk for more.
