Mel Buckley, the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Team Leader and Single Point of Contact (SPOC) & Non-Medical Prescriber (NMP) Lead at Prospect Hospice, Swindon, has been awarded the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse (QN) by The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI). The recognition, which is only granted to nurses who demonstrate exceptional dedication to patient care, celebrates Mel’s significant contributions to palliative care and her leadership in community nursing.
The Queen’s Nurse title is a mark of excellence in the nursing profession, recognising those who not only provide outstanding care but also demonstrate a commitment to the values of learning, leadership, and patient-centred care. Those who hold the title are given access to a range of developmental opportunities, including workshops, bursaries, and networking platforms, all of which are designed to enhance their professional skills and contribute to the broader nursing community.
Dr. Crystal Oldman CBE, Chief Executive of the QNI, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Mel as a Queen’s Nurse. This recognition acknowledges the high standards of patient-centred care she provides and her role in leading others within community nursing. The application process for this title is rigorous, requiring evidence of dedication and a clear commitment to excellence in healthcare. We look forward to working alongside Mel and all our new Queen’s Nurses.”
Mel received the honour during an awards ceremony held at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in London on Friday 29 November. Reflecting on the event, she said: “I am really proud and honoured to become a Queen’s Nurse. The evening was without question the most incredible moment of my nursing career so far. I look forward to learning from and collaborating with my fellow Queen’s Nurses, while continuing to champion community palliative and end-of-life care. My goal remains to ensure excellence in holistic, patient-centred care, learning, and leadership.”
Carolyn Bell, Director of Patient Services at Prospect Hospice, added: “Mel consistently delivers high-quality, person-centred palliative and end-of-life care. She is highly respected by both her colleagues and external healthcare professionals, and is a role model for everyone she works with. This award is incredibly well-deserved and reflects her ongoing commitment to ensuring that all patients receive the care they deserve, regardless of their background or circumstances.”
The Queen’s Nurse title is available to registered nurses with more than five years of experience in community settings. Those who apply undergo a rigorous assessment process, which includes feedback from both managers and patients to ensure a clear commitment to providing high-quality care.
For more information about the Queen’s Nurse title, visit the Queen’s Nursing Institute website at www.qni.org.uk.
