Emma Kennedy, Nurse Manager at Hilary Cottage Surgery in Fairford, has been awarded the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse by The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI).
The title was awarded following a rigorous online application process, in recognition of Emma’s high level of commitment to patient care, learning, leadership and excellence in nursing practice.
The honour means that Emma joins a family of like-minded skilled and dedicated nurses who work in the community, sharing common values as well as a title.
Nurses must demonstrate five or more years’ experience of working in the community to be eligible for the title.
Emma has worked at Hilary Cottage Surgery for the past 19 years and currently manages an ‘amazing’ team of nurses and pharmacists there.
She is also the Registered Manager for Friends of Fairford and Lechlade Communities Nursing team, a local charity very close to her heart as it was established by her mother, also a nurse.
The charity provides invaluable end of life care to local residents. Thanks to Emma, the charity and the GP surgery team have built links and work closely together, enabling patients to receive excellent end of life care from both the surgery and the charity in a joined-up way.
Emma has also facilitated other ventures, such as a bereavement cafe. She has managed the charity nursing team for around ten years, before which she managed it jointly with her Mum.
Emma said:
I feel incredibly proud to have been awarded the Queen’s Nurse title in recognition of my nursing, leadership and charity work within both general practice and end of life care over the past 19 years.
It reflects my dedication to my patients and has renewed my passion for nursing, boosting my enthusiasm to continue to strive for the best for my patients every day.”
During her time working in general practice, Emma worked with the local Integrated Care Board as a legacy mentor, providing support, mentoring, coaching and development to practice nurses throughout Gloucestershire.
As a Queens Nurse, Emma will benefit from developmental workshops, bursaries, networking opportunities and a shared professional identity.
Emma will receive her badge and certificate at the QNI’s Awards Ceremony on 28 November at a venue in central London.
Background
The QNI is the oldest professional nursing organisation in the UK. The charity was originally founded to organise the training of district nurses and was key in developing a highly-skilled service to meet the healthcare needs of millions of people every year as one of the main pillars of the National Health Service.
The title ‘Queen’s Nurse’ was given to the first nurse who was trained at the Queen’s Nursing Institute. The institute no longer provides training for nurses although it continues to provide both professional support and opportunities for development. In Gloucestershire, the title Queen’s Nurse is currently held by 33 community nurses.