A SPECIALIST diabetes nurse has been awarded the title of Queen’s Nurse for delivering patient-centred community care.

Nicola Nuttall, a nurse team leader from Blackburn, began her training at the East Lancashire College of Nursing at the age of 18.

She currently works at the health centre in Barbara Castle Way, within the Integrated Diabetes Service for Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust.

The title of Queen’s Nurse is open to individual nurses who want to demonstrate their commitment to patient-centred values and continually improving practice.

It was revived by the Queen’s Nursing Institute six years ago as an award of distinction for nurses working in community settings in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Nicola said: “I was so overwhelmed to find out that I’ve won the award, especially when I found out I’d been nominated by service users.

“It makes me so proud to know that my contributions make a real difference to people’s lives. I look forward to continuing to improve and deliver excellent care to the people of Blackburn.”

Amanda Thornton, clinical director for adult community services at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust said: “There are so many dedicated and committed nurses who go that extra mile to provide compassionate care “It’s fantastic that Nicola’s work has been recognised nationally.”

Queen’s Nursing Institute director Crystal Oldman said, “Congratulations are due to Nicola for her success.

“Community nurses operate in an ever-more challenging world and our role is to support them as effectively as we can.

“The Queen’s Nurse title is a key part of this and we would encourage other community nurses to apply.”

An awards ceremony for Queen’s Nurses to be presented with their certificates is due to take place later in the year in London.