The Queen’s Nursing title is formal recognition of being part of a professional network of nurses committed to delivering and leading outstanding care in the community. It is awarded following a rigorous application process.

Dr Lucy Speakman, Queen’s Nurse

Lucy Speakman has worked for Oxford Health since 1998, firstly as a District Nurse. She has been a Community Respiratory Nurse for the last 20 years. Sponsored by Oxford Health, she completed a Doctorate in Nursing at Oxford Brookes University in September 2023. She is currently seconded to the Trust’s Research and Development department for two years, working to embed a research culture in teams across the Trust.

Pictured Left to Right: Research Training and Development Nurse Dr Lucy Speakman receiving award from Professor Dame Elizabeth Nneka Anionwu, Vice President and Fellow of the Queen’s Nursing Institute.

Lucy said: “I was delighted to receive the title of Queen’s Nurse. It feels great to have recognition as a community respiratory nurse, acknowledging differing roles in the community. It is a really inspiring organisation, and I am enjoying forging links with other nurses across the UK to continue to share good practice and improve patient care”.

Sue Bolton, Queen’s Nurse

Sue Bolton began her NHS career over 40 years. After training as a paramedic in Greater Manchester in 1982, she completed her nurse training in 1988.  She moved to Oxford in 1991 as a newly qualified nurse working at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre. In 1994 Sue re-trained as a Health Visitor and secured a post working for what was then Oxfordshire Community Health NHS Trust as a Health Visitor.

Sue then joined the School Nursing service as a School Nurse at Cheney School and then Phoenix Team in 2018 as a Specialist Nurse, working with families and professionals to provide health support to children and young people in specific circumstances.

Pictured Left to Right: (Specialist Nurse Sue Bolton receiving award by Professor Dame Elizabeth Nneka Anionwu, Vice President and Fellow of the Queen’s Nursing Institute.)

Sue said: “The application and assessment process to become a Queen’s Nurse was an opportunity for me to fully reflect on over 40 years working for the NHS; the majority of which was community based in Oxfordshire in roles such as Health Visitor, Smoking and Pregnancy Specialist, School Nurse and Specialist Phoenix Nurse.

“Each role shared common principles and goals. The aim is always to promote health and wellbeing, improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities amongst the community I worked in.

“I have been very fortunate to have worked for several great teams and amazing colleagues, each of whom are committed to high standards of care and have provided me with support, guidance, wisdom and perspective in managing the many challenging situations working in the community brings.

“To have been presented the award by Professor Dame Elizabeth Nneka Anionwu, someone who I greatly admire made the receiving of the award even more special”.

Chief Nurse, Britta Klinck said:

“I am delighted Lucy and Sue have been recognised for their significant contribution to our profession, and to the countless patients and their families who have benefitted from the care they have provided.

“They embody the very spirit of nursing which is compassion, care, expertise, and dedication.

“We are proud to be working alongside them and count them among the Trust Queen’s Nurses.”

Photos courtesy of the Queen’s Nursing Institute