New Queen’s Nurses in 2024: Suzanne Ward

A Paediatric Nurse from Manchester, who specialises in making sure children and their families receive the best care at the end of their lives, has been awarded the title of Queen’s Nurse (QN).

Suzanne Ward, 51, began working at Derian House Children’s Hospice 13 years ago as a Registered Nurse and since completing her master’s degree in 2020 is one of the first Advanced Clinical Practitioners to operate within a hospice environment.

‘Queen’s Nurse’ is a prestigious and historic title which is given to nurses delivering and leading outstanding care and is awarded by the Queen’s Nursing Institute.

The 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.

Suzanne is one of 587 new QNs in 2024, and one of almost 3,000 across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The new QNs will receive their titles formally at the QNI’s Awards Ceremony in London in November.

Suzanne said: “Becoming a nurse has always been my dream since being a young child. The day I qualified as a Paediatric Nurse, 14 years ago, was one of the proudest moments of my life. And now, I am so very proud of my role as one of the first Advanced Clinical Practitioners within a hospice environment. Seeing the difference my role makes to Derian House families is a huge achievement.

“As a nurse, I am constantly striving to achieve high standards of practice and delivering excellent patient-centred care to all our families – making sure all care is tailored to the child and their family’s needs.”

She added: “I am proud to be an ambassador for nursing, whether it has been working on the ward caring for sick children or supporting children and their families when they receive a palliative diagnosis.

“I am very aware there are few nursing professionals with skills and experience required to provide children’s palliative care in the community.”

She continued: “My personal vision is that every baby, child, young person, and their families, should receive the best palliative nursing care by a knowledgeable and skilled nurse, within their preferred place of care.

“To have received the Queen’s Nurse title means the absolute world and is the most amazing achievement of my nursing career.”

She concluded: “The award will allow me to continue my commitment to improving paediatric palliative care across the region.”

Catherine Randall, Chief Nurse at Derian House Children’s Hospice, said: “Congratulations to our incredible colleague, Suzanne.

“Your dedication, compassion and commitment to excellence in nursing inspires us all. We are so proud of you.”