Liz Hall receives the prestigious Queen’s Nurse award

Congratulations to Liz Hall (Continuing Health Professional Lead) for receiving the Queen’s Nurse award in recognition of her dedication to community nursing

The Queens Nursing Institute (QNI) re-introduced the title in 2007 to sustain the standards of patient care in the community.

Having lived in and around the west Essex area her whole life, Liz completed her nursing training at East Surrey Hospital in Redhill under the University of Surrey.

Liz returned home to work in the Princess Alexandra Hospital completing their newly qualified development programme, alternating across different hospitals and wards.

She said “I had always believed my heart belonged in community nursing and in 2004 I was fortunate enough to be supported by East and North Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) to complete the specialist Community Nursing course.

“I qualified as a district Nurse and secured a position as a Community Matron in East Hertfordshire. In 2008 a new challenge beckoned as I wanted to learn new skills and a secured a position working in the Essex base of NHS Direct.

“In 2009 I had the opportunity to develop a skill learnt within community nursing as a nurse Assessor for the NHS continuing Healthcare at Mid Essex CCG. This led me on a 10 year adventure through various changes in continuing healthcare as well as the PCT to Commissioning Support Unit (CSU) to coming to work at West Essex CCG. My initial role was to undertake case reviews, before successfully applying for my current post as Professional Lead for the CHC team.

“I feel very proud and honoured to have been given this award. My role is incredibly rewarding and challenging.”

Liz is the second nurse at the CCG to be awarded with the Queen’s Nurse award, along with the Director of Nursing and Quality, Jane Kinniburgh in 2015.

Jane, also present at the ceremony, received an extra award for completing the Queen’s Nurse Institute Executive Nurse Leadership Programme. The aim of the programme is to equip nurses working in senior community roles – raising the profile, voice, value and influence of community nursing in both national policy and local delivery of community services.

Dr Rob Gerlis (Chair) said “We are delighted to learn of the Queen’s Nurse title being given to Liz Hall. Her experience, commitment and support to all her colleagues and patients is remarkable – huge congratulations.”

Well done Liz!