NHS Grampian is proud to say three outstanding nurses, working across north-east Scotland, have been awarded the historic Queen’s Nurse title. 

Shirley Catto (Neurology Nurse Specialist. Seafield Hospital, Buckie), Nicola Dickie (Health Visitor/Team Leader, Links Medical Practice) and Laura Rothney (Senior Nurse Practitioner, Royal Cornhill Hospital) collected their awards from the Queen’s Nurse Institute Scotland at an event in Edinburgh on Friday 2 December. 

They were among 20 community nurses selected to complete a nine-month programme, which consists of a week-long residential workshop followed by two further workshops and individual coaching sessions. 

The programme requires them to choose an issue for development which will have a significant impact on those they care for, so that the learning during the nine months is applied in practice. 

Queen’s Nursing in Scotland dates to the late 19th century, when nurses completed specific training which allowed them to work as district nurses. With the advent of national certificates for district nursing, the training ended, but the title was reintroduced in 2017, as a development programme for nurses. 

Executive Nurse Director for NHS Grampian, Dr June Brown, said: “I am absolutely delighted for Shirley, Nicola, and Laura. Achieving the Queen’s Nurse award, alongside their extremely busy day job, is no mean feat and they should be very proud of themselves. 

“Nursing is a dynamic and exciting career, which can take you in many different directions. I look forward to following Shirley, Nicola, and Laura’s progress in the months and years ahead.”