Community dementia nurse receives Queen’s Nurse title

A nurse who specialises in the care of patients with dementia across the Tees Valley has been recognised with the prestigious Queen’s Nurse title.

The award, presented to Janette McGuire at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, is for community nurses who have demonstrated a high level of commitment to patient care and nursing practice.

Janette, who is a community dementia specialist nurse, has worked as a nurse since the age of 16 – many of them in district nursing and the last six in dementia care.

Janette, who joins a handful of other community nurses in the organisation to be awarded the title, said: “I am honoured to have been recognised with this award.

“I am passionate about nursing, improving the care we give our patients and their health outcomes.

“When I became a community dementia nurse it was a new service I started and something which took a lot of determination and tenacity to do.

“Now, along with my colleague Laura Greig, we continually strive to improve things, to drive change and to listen to the feedback of our patients and their families.

“Dementia care is about empathising and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes – this often goes a long way in helping you to solve the problem.

“I will always look at people holistically and will often liaise with other services re physical health issues that could be impacting on dementia.

“My role enables me to support people through difficult days and provide some hope and confidence for people facing life with dementia, whether it is the person themselves or a family member who has suddenly found themselves with the title ‘carer’.

“Both people often find that they lose their identity bit by bit as dementia progresses.

“Supporting people with dementia can be a very humbling experience and this role has taught me things about myself that I never realised.”

Mel Cambage, associate director of nursing, patient safety and improvement, presented Janette with the official Queen’s Nurse certificate and badge last week.

Mel, who was given the Queen’s Nurse title herself in 2020, said: “Congratulations to you Janette for this fantastic achievement and is deserved recognition for the outstanding care and compassion you have given to your patients.”