Wrexham Glyndwr University Lecturers Alison Williams and Chris O’Grady will formally be honoured with the title of Queen’s Nurse at a ceremony in November.
The duo – who both joined the university in 2003 and represent the School of Social and Life Sciences – are to travel to London for the event, hosted by the Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI).
Chris, Programme leader for MSc Health Sciences, has more than 35 years’ experience in nursing and says she is “incredibly proud” to receive the title.
“I’m still as passionate about nursing, training and quality as I was at the beginning of my career, and it makes me incredibly proud to be recognised in this way,” said Chris, from Oswestry.
“It is a privilege to go and visit people in their own homes and care and support them, which is what both Alison and I train students to do having done it ourselves, so it’s a real honour for us to be picking up this title together.”
Alison, Programme Leader for District Nursing, added: “For years we’ve shown our commitment to high standards of human care, and that’s what the title means to us, excellence in nursing.
“On reflection we want to encourage students to go for this title as well, and we could not realistically do that if we’ve never held it ourselves, so it’s a very proud moment for us to receive it.
“Personally, it’s a huge honour, especially for our families, and for Wales and Wrexham Glyndwr.
“Ultimately, this drives up care standards, and that’s what we are all about.”
Dr Crystal Oldman, Chief Executive of the QNI, paid tribute to Chris and Alison.
She said: “Congratulations are due to Chris and Alison for their success.
“Community nurses are expert professionals who make a vital contribution to patient health and wellbeing every day.
“As a national charity the QNI can share innovation and best practice, supporting nurses to deliver excellent healthcare to patients in local communities.”
Their achievement follows that of colleague Eleri Mills, who was the first University representative to be honoured by the Queen’s Nursing Institute, in 2014.
The title of Queen’s Nurse is open to community nurses with more than three years’ experience. Managers and patients provide feedback about applicants, which is assessed along with their application. For more information, visit www.qni.org.uk
Visit the next Wrexham Glyndwr University open day on Saturday October 15: www.glyndwr.ac.uk
