Queen’s Nurse Title Honour For Matron

A Matron specialising in infection prevention is the latest to be honoured in Lincolnshire with a Queen’s Nurse title.

Cheryl Day, a Matron at Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS), has been successful in applying for the title with the Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) – a title which reflects a commitment to high standards of patient care, learning and leadership.

Cheryl said: “Being recognised as a Queen’s Nurse is an honour and one which has the potential to raise the profile of specialist nurses, many of whom are often the unseen catalysts for the delivery of safe, clean care across so many facets of healthcare. The Queen’s Nurse network offers a great deal in terms of sharing knowledge, skills, experience and commitment – all values I am keen to share.”

Cheryl started her NHS career in 1992 at the age of 34, having previously followed a career in veterinary medicine. She has since worked in a range of disciplines, including general medicine, general surgery, theatre, mental health services and A&E, always with a focus on infection prevention.

She currently works as Infection Prevention and Control Lead Matron for LCHS, where she has been for six years. Her role sees her supporting community hospitals and services countywide, giving expert advice on how to help protect patients, staff and visitors from the spread of infection.

Cheryl has also recently been awarded a Masters degree in Infection Prevention. She added: “For me, 2014/15 will be a year to remember for all the right reasons!”

There are now 14 Queen’s Nurses within LCHS.

Sue Cousland, Chief Nurse and Director of Operations at LCHS, said: “Our growing team of Queen’s Nurses at Lincolnshire Community Health Services are rightly recognised for the contributions they make to patient care and the development of our future nurses and leaders. We are very proud to be involved in the QNI network and offer our best wishes and congratulations to Cheryl for her achievements.”

QNI Director Crystal Oldman said: “Congratulations are due to Cheryl for her success. Community nurses operate in an ever more challenging world and our role is to support them as effectively as we can. The QN title is a key part of this and we would encourage other community nurses to apply.“