Rachel Watson and Sharron Tolman, both Admiral Nurses at Dementia UK, have been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Nurse (QN) title by the Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI). This recognition honours their commitment to delivering exceptional patient care, leadership, and continuous learning in their roles.
Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia care professionals working within Dementia UK. They provide practical advice, emotional support, and expert guidance to individuals living with dementia and their families. Acting as a critical link between health and social care, their goal is to ensure that families and individuals receive the best possible support.
Rachel Watson and Sharron Tolman exemplify these roles through their unique contributions. Watson focuses on workplace inclusivity for people affected by dementia, while Tolman leads and supports new Admiral Nurses in developing their skills and expertise.
The Queen’s Nurse title is an accolade awarded by the QNI to community nurses who demonstrate exceptional dedication to patient care, professional development, and leadership. The rigorous selection process ensures that only the most committed nurses receive this recognition.
The Queen’s Nurse title comes with several professional benefits:
Rachel Watson works with employers to create inclusive environments for employees living with dementia or acting as carers. She conducts masterclasses, awareness sessions, and policy reviews to help organisations better support their staff.
Her work not only enhances the wellbeing of employees but also fosters understanding and acceptance of dementia within professional settings.
Sharron Tolman plays a pivotal role in supporting new Admiral Nurses. As an Academy Lead Admiral Nurse, she ensures that incoming nurses have the tools and training needed to excel in their roles. Her mentorship helps maintain the high standards that Admiral Nurses are known for.
The recognition of Watson and Tolman as Queen’s Nurses highlights the critical role of community nurses in improving healthcare outcomes. The QNI’s Chief Executive, Crystal Oldman, emphasised the value of this award, stating:
“Queen’s Nurses serve as leaders and role models in community nursing, delivering high-quality healthcare across the country. The application and assessment process to become a Queen’s Nurse is rigorous and requires clear commitment to improving care for patients, their families, and carers.”
Paul Edwards, Chief Nursing Officer at Dementia UK, also celebrated the achievement, saying:
“With one in two of us affected by dementia in our lifetime, the work of our incredible specialist Admiral Nurses like Rachel and Sharron helps us to create a world where no one faces dementia alone.”
The Queen’s Nurse title brings much-needed attention to the vital work being done in dementia care. It helps to spotlight the challenges faced by carers and families and the innovative ways Admiral Nurses address these issues.
The award encourages a culture of excellence within the community nursing sector, inspiring other nurses to aspire to similar levels of commitment and care.
By recognising individual achievements, the award fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing, ultimately benefiting the wider community of dementia patients and carers.
An Admiral Nurse is a specialist in dementia care, providing expert advice, practical solutions, and emotional support to families and individuals affected by dementia.
The Queen’s Nurse title is an award granted by the QNI to community nurses who demonstrate outstanding commitment to patient care, leadership, and professional development.
The award offers access to training workshops, networking opportunities, and professional recognition, enabling nurses to enhance their skills and leadership capabilities.
Admiral Nurses offer tailored advice, coping strategies, and practical support to help carers manage the demands of looking after someone with dementia.
Dementia UK provides specialist support through its Admiral Nurses, ensuring that individuals and families affected by dementia receive expert care and guidance.
The Queen’s Nurse title awarded to Rachel Watson and Sharron Tolman celebrates their exceptional contributions to dementia care and leadership in community nursing. Through their work, they exemplify the highest standards of dedication and compassion. This recognition not only honours their efforts but also highlights the vital role of community nursing in addressing the growing challenges of dementia.
As dementia continues to affect millions, the work of specialists like Watson and Tolman underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to create a world where no one faces dementia alone.
For a deeper look into dementia care types, emerging trends, and practical home support, read our comprehensive guide: Dementia Care: Types, Trends, and Home Support.
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