Queen's Nurse title returns to NHS Borders for eighth consecutive year

NHS Borders is delighted to announce that Faye Fowler, Senior Charge Nurse at Knoll Community Hospital, has been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Nurse title.

Until seven years ago, the Queen’s Nurse title had not been awarded since 1969. However, since its reintroduction in 2017, NHS Borders has had a member of staff selected to be a Queen’s Nurse every year.

The nine-month Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS) programme requires nurses to choose an issue for development which will have a significant impact on those they care for, so that the learning during the nine months is applied in practice. There is an expectation that this work will have a focus on promoting equity and inclusion.

After completing the QNIS programme successfully, Faye was awarded the Queen’s Nurse title along with 20 other community nurses at a ceremony staged last Thursday (28 November) evening at the Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh.

On the subject of her award, Faye said: “I have been very fortunate in securing a place with the QNIS programme this year. The programme has given me the opportunity to work alongside inspiring community colleagues across Scotland from various backgrounds. I can already see areas of my own practice that have been enhanced or adapted leading to better outcomes for patients, staff and myself.

“The drive and passion I have for delivering excellent and adaptable care to the community is a vision that I believe can be achieved. I wish everyone could have this amazing opportunity, or at least a slice of it.”

Sarah Horan, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals at NHS Borders, said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to Faye on her award, as I know that she has really embraced the challenge of becoming a Queen’s Nurse. The process of being accepted onto the programme isn’t easy, and this recognition reflects not only Faye’s exceptional commitment and resilience, but also her passion for providing outstanding care in the community.

“Eight community nurses from NHS Borders have been awarded Queen’s Nurse status since the programme was re-established in 2017. It is a fabulous learning and leadership development opportunity, and I hope more of our community based nurses will aspire to follow in Faye’s footsteps and achieve this title in the future.”