First for Fife as three NHS staff members to become Queen’s Nurses.

Three to become Queen’s Nurses for their community work

Three Fife health staff have been selected to become coveted Queen’s Nurses.

It is the first time the kingdom has seen three staff members selected in a single year to take part in a special professional development programme that will earn them the right to use the title.

The Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland was established by Queen Victoria in 1889 in honour of her Golden Jubilee.

Historically, the title was awarded to nurses equipped to work in the community, providing healthcare to people in their own homes.

Dunfermline-based community dermatology nurse practitioner Pauline Buchanan, Kirkcaldy-based ADHD nurse specialist Lyndsey Forsyth and Leven-based community psychiatric nurse Gerry Hastie are three of the 21 community-based nurses from across the country selected by the QNIS to join this year’s development programme.

All candidates were nominated having demonstrated their commitment to high-quality, compassionate care.

They then completed a written application and were chosen to go forward for the programme after attending a selection event where they impressed a panel of nursing leaders.

The new Queen’s Nurses will take part in a nine-month programme, developing and honing their skills.

NHS Fife director of nursing Helen Wright said the trio had demonstrated a “real passion” and commitment to improving the lives of patients.

“With an ever-increasing amount of care now able to be delivered safely in our communities, their participation in the programme is likely to positively influence the nursing care offered to patients across Fife in the years and decades to come.

Pauline said: “It is a very exciting opportunity to make change happen in creating new ways of working.

“Hopefully, it will also provide the best possible care in the community for persons living with long-term skin conditions.”

Lyndsey added the experience so far had been inspirational, while Gerry said he was genuinely humbled by the honour.

It is a very exciting opportunity to make change happen in creating new ways of working.

PAULINE BUCHANAN

From left: lead nurse Sally O’Brien, Gerry Hastie, head of nursing Ken Quinn, Lyndsey Forsyth and service manager Jackie Young. Lyndsey and Gerry have been selected to train as Queen’s Nurses.