Rochdale practice nurse receives Queen’s Nurse award

Rochdale nurse, Caroline Lomax, has been given the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse (QN) by community nursing charity The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI).

The title has been awarded to Caroline for her high level of commitment to patient care and nursing practice. Nurses who hold the title of Queen’s Nurse benefit from developmental workshops, bursaries, networking opportunities, and a shared professional identity.

Caroline is a General Practice nurse, having spent the majority of her career at her current practice, Castleton Health Centre in Rochdale.

During her career Caroline has instigated a number of successful health promotion projects, including an inspirational project to encourage young adult males aged between 18 and 24, to take ownership of their health and wellbeing through regular ‘Young Men’s Health Clinics’ - a topic close to Caroline’s heart having two sons in the same age bracket.

Caroline has a particular interest in cardiology and was the leading force behind the installation of defibrillators in her son’s local high school. She has mentored various nurse roles at Castleton Health Centre and is also part of a team to support trainee GPs in practice.

Caroline recently completed a leadership programme with GP excellence with the NHS England and NHS Improvement CARE (Connected, Authentic, Resilient, Empowered) Leadership and Resilience Programme, and she is currently undertaking a Quality Improvement Project to evolve and improve population health.

Caroline said: “I am delighted to receive the accolade of Queen’s Nurse. My patients are at the heart of everything I do and I am passionate about my role as a General Practice nurse where I can get to know my patients and gain a wider understanding of the health needs of the local community.

“My goal as a Queen’s Nurse is to continue to be an inspiring role model and mentor to future generations of nurses. I am looking forward to being part of a nationwide support network and I believe that the title of Queen’s Nurse will give me the platform to make a difference and further develop the role of community nursing.”

Dr Mamman, Senior GP at Castleton Health Centre, said: “We are very proud of Caroline, and the dedication and care she shows to our patients, staff and GP partners.

“Caroline is a much valued and integral part of our team and is a credit to nursing.”

Dr Chris Duffy, Chair of NHS HMR CCG, added: “On behalf of NHS HMR CCG, I would like to congratulate Caroline on receiving such a prestigious title.

“We are honoured to have a nurse who is so committed to her career and patients working in one of our Rochdale GP practices.”

Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, Chief Executive of the QNI, said: “On behalf of the QNI I would like to congratulate Caroline and welcome her as a Queen’s Nurse. Queen’s Nurses serve as leaders and role models in community nursing, delivering high-quality health care across the country.

“The application and assessment process to become a Queen’s Nurse is rigorous and requires clear commitment to improving care for patients, their families and carers. We look forward to working with Caroline and all other new Queen’s Nurses who have received the title this year.”