MLCO Community Registered General Nurse and Advanced Clinical Practitioner Trainee Suzann Harrison has been awarded the honour of Queen’s Nurse.

Suzann, Advanced Clinical Practitioner trainee in South Manchester Crisis Response Team, has been recognised by the charity The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) for her commitment to high standards of patient care, nursing practices and leadership.

The QNI charity is the longest standing nurses charity having been founded over 150 years ago and promotes nursing excellence through the network of Queen’s Nurses. Nurses who are awarded the title benefit from professional networking events, free development opportunities, the ability to influence policy and to attend developmental workshops.

Suzann said: “I am incredibly honoured to have been awarded the Queen’s Nurse title. I have a real passion for community nursing, especially keeping patients at home and avoiding a hospital admission where possible. It is a privilege to support patients in the community, it is so rewarding.”

Suzann started her nursing journey in 2009, having previously worked in ICU and A&E/AMU. Suzann then went on to work as a District Nurse as her passion has always been the community. She then became a Specialist Nurse Practitioner for the North West Ambulance Service before moving over to work in the Crisis Response Team in Stockport. From there, Suzann moved back to Manchester Foundation Trust and Manchester Local Care Organisation and became the Nurse Team Lead for the South Manchester Crisis Response Team before starting her Advanced Clinical Practitioner masters in Sept 2019, which will be completed in February 2022.

“Being a Queen’s Nurse will mean that I can continue to champion the role of Crisis Response in the community and continue to help reduce and avoid hospital admissions and treat patients in their own homes. It brings me an immense sense of pride to be recognised in this way. Since starting my nursing career I have always admired fellow Queen’s Nurses. I look forward to networking with my fellow Queen’s Nurses throughout the UK and together continuing to provide the high levels of care into future practice. Being given this award is also reflective of the amazing team who I work with in South Manchester and the support and encouragement they continue to give me. We all strive to give the highest standards and best care possible to all of our patients.”

The title of Queen’s Nurse is open to all community nurses with more than five years’ experience. Nominators, managers and service users provide feedback about applicants, which is assessed along with their application. Find out more here.

Suzann will attend a virtual award ceremony and be presented with a badge and certificate for her accomplishment in December.

Congratulations to Suzann on a wonderful achievement!