A NURSE has been awarded the prestigious title Queen's Nurse after showing a high level of commitment to patient care and nursing practice.

Cate Lamport has been living and working in Herefordshire for 12years and is an advanced nurse practitioner at Cantilupe surgery in Hereford.

The Queen's Nurse programme brings together community nurses who want to develop their professional skills and who share common values, with a shared title. As part of International Nurses and Midwives Days recently, nurses at Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) held a lunch for its staff staff during which a presentation was held to recognise Cate's achievement.

Cate Lamport, who is also practice nurse lead for the CCG, said: "I'm delighted to be awarded the title of Queen's Nurse. Although it's nice to have a formal recognition, I have always been committed to improving patient care in Herefordshire and this is a wonderful acknowledgement.

"Becoming a Queen's Nurse also means I am connected with a wider network to share ideas and good practice and continue to develop professionally through programmes offered through the QNi programme.

"I urge other community nurses to think about applying, I think we only have two QNs in the county and I know there are others out there who are deserving and also would benefit from the learning and leadership opportunities being a Queen's Nurse offers."

The Queen's Nurse title was reintroduced in 2007 safeguard and promote high standards in patient care and is available to individual nurses who have demonstrated a high level of commitment to patient care and nursing practice.

All nurses, health visitors and midwives with five years' experience of working in the community are eligible to apply, as well as nurse managers, general practice nurses, specialists and educators.

Helen Richardson, Chief Nursing Officer for Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group said: "I'm very proud of Cate for her dedication and commitment to community nursing in Herefordshire. She is deserving of the Queen's Nurse title and we wish her all the best in her continuing professional development."