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A local Learning Disability Nurse has been given the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse (QN) by community nursing charity The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI). 

Michelle Griffin, Community Learning Disability Nurse for the Worcestershire Community Learning Disabilities Team at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, collected her award at the QNI annual Awards Ceremony on 28^th November in London.

As part of the Worcestershire Community Learning Disabilities Team, Michelle provides specialist healthcare to adults with learning disabilities whose needs cannot be met by mainstream services alone. The team helps to ensure that people with learning disabilities receive the same care and treatment as everyone else when there is a concern about their physical or mental health.

The Queen’s Nurse programme brings together community nurses to develop their professional skills and deliver outstanding patient care in the community.

The title indicates Michelle’s 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.

Michelle said: “I am absolutely thrilled, proud, and honoured to have been awarded the title of Queen’s Nurse. I qualified as a Registered Learning Disability Nurse 28 years ago and have worked much of that time for Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust in the Community Learning Disability Team(s). I work as a Community Learning Disability Nurse which involves meeting the holistic health needs of adults diagnosed with a learning disability through helping them to access appropriate services and empower them to live inclusive and fulfilling lives within their local community. This is achieved through direct person – centred holistic assessments, evidence-based interventions, and/or facilitating other services to meet their needs.   

I feel so proud that the work I have done over the years as a former Community Behavioural Nurse Specialist and now a Community Learning Disability Nurse has been recognised nationally. Being given the opportunity to champion and raise the profile of community learning disability nursing has also been fantastic. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues and Team Manager in the North Worcestershire Community Learning Disability Team for their support and kindness in achieving the title of Queen’s Nurse”. 

Michelle Billings, Manager for Worcestershire Community Learning Disabilities Teams/IST said: “Michelle is a passionate and dedicated Learning Disabilities nurse who is committed to “promoting the highest standard of patient care in the community”. We are so very proud of her achievement of being awarded Queens Nurse.  

This is much deserved due her enthusiastic commitment and innovative work, and for always promoting and influencing person centred best practice within learning disabilities.  

Michelle is an avid advocate and is trusted and valued by her patients and respected by her peers, she is an inspiring role model to Community learning disability nursing and this award reflects her commitment to her role and the community she serves”.

Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, Chief Executive of the QNI said: “On behalf of the QNI I would like to congratulate Michelle and welcome her as a Queen’s Nurse. 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 Michelle and all other new Queen’s Nurses who have received the title this year.”

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