Two Dunfermline nurses awarded Queen's Nurse title

Carol Hunter, a health visitor, team leader, and practice assessor at NHS Fife, and Irene Scott, a general practice nurse at Inverkeithing Medical Group, were among a group of community nurses selected for this honour.

They successfully completed a nine-month development programme run by the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS).

The programme, which requires participants to focus on impactful issues for their care recipients, comprises residential and online workshops, and individual coaching sessions.

The nurses were awarded their titles at a ceremony on November 28 at the Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh.

Irene Scott with her Queen's Nurse award (Image: Queen's Nursing in Scotland) The title of Queen's Nurse dates back to the late 19th century and was reintroduced to Scotland in 2017.

Each year, around 20 community nurses and midwives are chosen to embark on the Queen’s Nurse Development Programme.

They are awarded the Queen’s Nurse title upon completion of the programme.

There are now more than 170 Queen’s Nurses across Scotland.

Dr Sarah Doyle, QNIS chief executive and nurse director, said: "QNIS is delighted to award the Queen’s Nurse title to these fantastic nurses.

"Community nurses and midwives occupy a unique position in Scotland’s health service.

"They do extraordinary work, every day.

"The Queen’s Nurse Development Programme supports participants to build their confidence, inspiring them to find and lead creative responses to the challenges faced by their colleagues and the communities they serve."

QNIS is a small charity, and the Queen’s Nurse Development Programme is funded by grant-making trusts and donations.