Queen's Nurse Award

Created on 04/02/2017 @ 14:41

A specialist nurse from Montgomery has been named Queen’s Nurse by community nursing charity The Queen’s Nursing Institute.

Deborah Evans, Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist at Powys Teaching Health Board, follows in the footsteps of her great aunt, who was also a Queen’s Nurse.

She became a Registered Nurse in 1997 and undertook further study to gain her BSC Hons. in Applied Community Health Studies in 2004 and then became a District Nurse.

In 2009 she took up the post of Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist, primed by Parkinson’s UK, and is now also an independent prescriber.

“In Powys, the Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist role is unique as we are community based,” said Deborah, “we don’t work out of an acute unit and rely on remote working with cross border consultants.

“I am passionate about community care and have used the skills I’ve developed over the years to set up the community based service from scratch in north Powys.”

Barbara Locke, Wales Director for Parkinson’s UK said “we’d like to say a huge well done to Deborah on her receipt of this award. Parkinson’s Specialist Nurses are a vital support to people living with Parkinson’s and to see Deborah’s commitment and expertise honoured in this way is wonderful.”

The title of Queen’s Nurse is not an award for past service, but indicates a 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.

Dr Crystal Oldman, Chief Executive of the QNI said, ‘Congratulations are due to Deborah for her success. Community nurses are expert professionals who make a vital contribution to patient health and wellbeing every day. As a national charity the QNI can share innovation and best practice, supporting nurses to deliver excellent healthcare to patients in local communities.’