PCW Practice Nurse Helen Hurst has received the prestigious Queen’s Nursing Award for her committed work in supporting UK military veterans.
Nursing charity The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) recognises the work of primary care and community nurses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Helen is the 54th healthcare worker from Cheshire to receive their award.
The title 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.
“On behalf of the QNI I would like to congratulate Helen and welcome her as a Queen’s Nurse,” said Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, Chief Executive of the QNI.
“Queen’s Nurses serve as leaders and role models in community nursing, delivering high quality health care across the country.
“The application and assessment process to become a Queen’s Nurse is rigorous and requires clear commitment to improving care for patients, their families and carers.
“We look forward to working with Helen and all other new Queen’s Nurses who have received the title this year.”
A lifetime of caring for others
Helen has worked at The Orchard Surgery in Bromborough since 2008, and as a Practice Nurse for 17 years, as part of a three-decade NHS career.
The focus of her role at The Orchard Surgery centres around working within specialist services providing mental and physical health support to returning military personnel.
Helen has worked with individuals who have served in military operations across the world, helping them to readjust to the challenges post-conflict life.
The nature of Helen’s job requires an ability to establish significant levels of empathy and trust, and those personal connections provide a key motivation in her work.
“I come from a military family, so the health and wellbeing of military veterans is particularly important to me.
“I have reached out to the Armed Forces Community with a project which has established our surgery as RGCP Veteran Friendly Accredited.
“My role as Lead Nurse has been very fulfilling. I have been able to work with nursing colleagues and the NW Armed Forces Network in helping military personnel to become officially registered as a vulnerable patient group.”
“Receiving this award is a highlight of my 30-year nursing career. I feel very honoured to be given it, and I am excited by the opportunities it now presents.”
Helen’s role at The Orchard Surgery
Although her main focus is Military Veterans, Helen’s career includes GPN Leadership training, which provided the confidence and skills to define her interests.
Helen also plays a key role as part of The Orchard Surgery’s team, leading diabetes improvement programmes based on low carb diets, in conjunction with GPs and nurses across the Healthy South Wirral PCN.
Practice Manager Karen Livesey paid tribute to Helen for her role in raising the profile of military veteran patient care, and extraordinary work at The Orchard Surgery.
“Helen’s commitment to her patients and the unique challenges they face has been incredible.
“This award is a well-deserved recognition of her ongoing work, and she is an asset to the practice.”
Applications open for Queen’s Nursing Awards
The title of Queen’s Nurse 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.
More information about how to apply is available at http://www.qni.org.uk