A LEARNING disability nurse is ‘thrilled’ to have been given the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse (QN).

Michelle Griffin, a community learning disability nurse for the Worcestershire Community Learning Disabilities Team, collected her award at the Queen’s Nursing Institute last month.

Michelle, who works across Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest, provides specialist healthcare to adults with learning disabilities whose needs cannot be met by mainstream services alone.

“I am absolutely thrilled, proud, and honoured to have been awarded the title of Queen’s Nurse," said Michelle, who lives in Kidderminster. 

"I qualified as a Registered Learning Disability Nurse 28 years ago and have worked much of that time for Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust in the Community Learning Disability Team.

“Being given the opportunity to champion and raise the profile of community learning disability nursing has also been fantastic.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues and Team Manager in the North Worcestershire Community Learning Disability Team for their support and kindness in achieving the title of Queen’s Nurse”. 

Michelle Billings, manager for Worcestershire Community Learning Disabilities Teams/IST said: “Michelle is a passionate and dedicated Learning Disabilities nurse who is committed to promoting the highest standard of patient care in the community.

“We are so very proud of her achievement of being awarded, Queens Nurse.

“This is much deserved due to her enthusiastic commitment and innovative work, and for always promoting and influencing person-centred best practice, within learning disabilities. 

Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, chief executive of the QNI has congratulated Michelle on her achievement.

“Queen’s Nurses serve as leaders and role models in community nursing, delivering high-quality health care across the country,” said Dr Oldman.

“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.”

The title of Queen’s Nurse is open to registered nurses with more than five years of experience working in the community.