Hospice’s Clinical Director receives Queen’s Nurse title
10th January
Hospice in the Weald’s Clinical Director Jan Thirkettle has been given the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse (QN) by The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI).
Professor Deborah Sturdy CBE, Chief Nurse Adult Social Care (right) presents Jan Thirkettle QN, the Hospice’s Clinical Director, with her certificate. Photo credit: The Queen’s Nursing Institute.
The title recognises Jan’s commitment to high standards of patient care, learning and leadership in community nursing. Jan was presented with her certificate at an awards ceremony held in London in December.
“It is a huge honour to be recognised as a Queen’s Nurse,” said Jan, who qualified as a nurse more than 40 years ago. “This not only acknowledges my own commitment to improving standards of care in the community and to learning and leadership; but that of the entire team at Hospice in the Weald.”
Hospice in the Weald provides free care and support to children and adults facing life-threatening or terminal illness in west Kent and East Sussex. Jan’s leadership in helping to extend the organisation’s reach beyond the Hospice’s walls and into the community played a key part in her gaining the title.
Jan said: “I am particularly proud of how the Hospice has enhanced its role within hospital and community teams to improve end-of-life care for terminally ill patients. This has ensured more people are able to die in the place of their choice, whether that’s in their own home, in the hospice or elsewhere.”
Nurses who hold the title benefit from developmental workshops, bursaries, networking opportunities, and a shared professional identity.
Jan added: “As a Queen’s Nurse I am now part of a dynamic network and get to hear about all the good practice taking place across the country. This not only inspires me but has opened new opportunities for my colleagues too as we work together to improve the care and support we offer to those facing terminal illness and their loved ones in our own community.”
Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, Chief Executive of The Queen’s Nursing Institute said: “On behalf of the QNI I would like to congratulate Jan 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 process to become a Queen’s Nurse is rigorous and requires a clear commitment to improving care for patients, their families and carers.”
Photo: Professor Deborah Sturdy CBE, Chief Nurse Adult Social Care (right) presents Jan Thirkettle QN, the Hospice’s Clinical Director, with her certificate. Please credit: The Queen’s Nursing Institute.
- Hospice in the Weald ensures everyone with a terminal illness, and their families, in West Kent and East Sussex receive free care and support. www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk
- The Queen’s Nursing Institute is a charity that works with nurses and decision-makers to ensure good quality nursing is available to everyone, when they need it. www.qni.org.uk
