A Darvel woman is among a group of 24 extraordinary community nurses and midwives to have been awarded the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse.
Lynda Bryceland, an Advanced Practice Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialist at NHS Ayrshire and Arran, was selected to take part in a nine-month development programme run by the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS).
After completing the programme, Lynda was awarded the Queen’s Nurse title at a ceremony at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh.
Clare Cable, QNIS Chief Executive and Nurse Director, said: “These 24 exceptional individuals can be deservedly proud of being awarded this prestigious title.
“Their roles vary, from bringing care to those who have experienced significant adversity to supporting people in mental distress or end of life care.
“They represent the geography of Scotland, from rural communities and small islands to concentrated areas within the big cities, but they all demonstrate nursing and midwifery excellence which makes a real difference to the lives of the people they work with."
Queen’s Nursing in Scotland dates back to the late 19th century, when nurses completed specific training which allowed them to work as district nurses.
They provided healthcare and health promotion to people in their own homes and became well respected figures within their community.
The Queen’s Nurse title was reintroduced to Scotland in 2017, with 20 community nurses chosen to take part which would see them become the first modern Queen’s Nurses.
There are now over 150 contemporary Queen’s Nurses working across Scotland.
Nurses are selected by employer nomination and panel interviews for their clinical expertise and compassionate care.
The programme requires them to choose an issue for development which will have a significant impact on those they care for, with a focus on promoting equity and inclusion.
Read the rules here