A north Norfolk community nurse has been awarded a prestigious title by a nursing charity.
Rosy Watson, 34, a community matron at Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust (NCHC), from North Walsham, has been given the title of Queen's Nurse for her outstanding commitment to patient care in her ten years working for the trust.
She attended a ceremony in London on Friday, June 21, to collect her award from community nursing charity the Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI).
As well as recognising the dedication and expertise of its winners, the Queen's Nurse title aims to encourage nurses to promote best practice.
She is based at Aylsham Health Centre, where she cares for patients in their own homes with long-term conditions, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and heart failure.
She previously worked for two years in Great Yarmouth as a community nurse, and prior to that as a staff nurse at the James Paget Hospital.
"Nursing is a profession that is respected world-wide," she said.
"I am proud to be a nurse. I believe it is a privilege to attend to patients throughout their lives.
"Nursing in the community is an opportunity to see the patient in the most holistic way.
"I am welcomed into patient's homes in their time of need. They value my knowledge and experience, and the support and patient centred care that I provide.
"The qualities of a Queen's Nurse are the belief in the importance of learning, advocacy, innovation, and a passion for excellence in patient care.
"I am honoured to hold the title, especially in order to raise the profile and recognition of the role of community nursing in the NHS."
She added: "Every nurse working in the community works very hard every day, often going above and beyond for the patients in their care.
"The daily challenges of providing clinical care in the homes of some of the most vulnerable of our community go unseen.
"I will continue to champion and campaign for improvements in primary care and continue raising awareness of the essential work the community nurses do."
- Have you been given an award in north Norfolk? Email nnn.news@archant.co.uk
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