THE title of ‘Queen’s Nurse’ has been awarded to an NHS community matron, formerly of Holsworthy, for her commitment to a high standard of care, learning and leadership.
Rachel Armstrong, who has been nursing for 35 years, received the title at an awards ceremony held by the Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, London.
The title is given following an application process that includes feedback about the individual from managers and patients.
She has worked as a community matron for the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust and is based at the Westbank Practose, which incorporates Starcross Surgery and the Limes Surgery in Exminster.
Rachel case manages patients with long-term conditions as part of the local community nursing team.
She has worked closely with nursing staff, GPs, out-of-hour GP services, social services, the voluntary sector, older people’s mental health (OPMH) team, South Western Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust and other partner organisations to support at-risk patients to remain independent in their own homes.
She chairs regular palliative care meetings with colleagues and partners to review patients nearing the end of their life, plays an active role in group supervision sessions and supports nursing and medical students in their training — all this work has seen her commended with the Queen’s Nurse title.
Rachel, who lived in Holsworthy until the age of nine and now resides in Exeter, said: “My current role allows for the practice of advanced clinical skills in consultation, assessment such as chest auscultation, independent prescribing, clinical leadership and yet the high patient interface in their own home keeps you grounded and reminds you of what really matters — dignity, compassion, respect and care.
“As well as my clinical practice with patients, I really enjoy supporting students, both medical and nursing.
“We all learn such a great deal from reflecting on each other’s experiences and sharing our knowledge.”
As a Queen’s Nurse, Rachel will benefit from developmental workshops, bursaries, networking opportunities and more.
Dr Crystal Oldman, chief executive of the QNI, said: “Congratulations are due to Rachel Armstrong 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 support them in delivering excellent patient care in their local communities.
“The Queen’s Nurse title is a key part of this and we would encourage other community nurses to apply.”