QNIS celebrates the 2024 Queen’s Nurses

The Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland’s (QNIS) annual Queen’s Nurse awards evening took place on Thursday, November 28, at the Grassmarket Community Project.

The Queen’s Nurse title was awarded to 21 community nurses who completed the nine-month Queen’s Nurse Development Programme (QNDP) this year.

Queen’s Nurse, Merrill Whalen, and Anne Armstrong, Interim Chief Nursing Officer, were able to attend the awards.

The programme consists of residential and online workshops alongside individual coaching sessions.

It requires participants to choose an issue for development which will have a significant impact on those they care for, so that the learning during the nine months is applied in practice. There is an expectation that this work will have a focus on promoting equity and inclusion.

Dr Sarah Doyle, QNIS Chief Executive and Nurse Director, said: “QNIS is delighted to award the Queen’s Nurse title to these fantastic nurses.

“Community nurses and midwives occupy a unique position in Scotland’s health service, working as they do in the heart of communities, championing the cause of those who are not heard, helping those facing real adversity.”

She added: “They do extraordinary work, every day. The Queen’s Nurse Development Programme supports participants to build their confidence, inspiring them to find and lead creative responses to the challenges faced by their colleagues and the communities they serve.” 

In addition, QNIS Fellowship awards were presented to Clare Cable, to acknowledge her immense contribution to the work of QNIS during her time as Chief Executive and Nurse Director, and Professor Catriona Kennedy, to recognise her significant contribution to community nursing throughout her distinguished research career.