A LOCAL NHS Trust is pledging its support to its nursing workforce by backing International Nurses Day.

The celebration day rounds off a successful nursing year for Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) which has seen district nurse team leader from the Broxton cluster Emma Lea, given the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse by community nursing charity The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI).

Avril Devaney, director of nursing, therapies and patient partnership at CWP, said: “International Nurses Day is a perfect opportunity for us to recognise the fantastic work of nurses in our local communities. On behalf of CWP I would like to congratulate Emma Lea and the district nursing team on their achievements and for demonstrating the outstanding compassion and innovation that is required of twenty first century nurses.”

Emma has been at the forefront of supporting the ongoing development of the CWP district nursing service and has recently contributed to the Department of Health new vision for district nursing, published in January. Her new title indicates a commitment to high standards of patient care and continually improving practice.

Emma explains: “The vision builds on ‘Compassion in Practice’, the national vision for nurses, midwifes and care staff and recognises the unique and specialist contribution of district nurses and their teams. I feel honoured and proud to be recognised for my contribution to community nursing over the last 20 years.”

Crystal Oldman, Queen’s Nursing Institute director, said: “Congratulations are due to Emma Lea for her success. Community nurses operate in an ever more challenging world and our role is to support them as effectively as we can.”

Nurses from across the trust also came together to host awareness events and celebrate the contribution of the nursing profession in the local area including a professional development lunch.