Nurse follows in the footsteps of her mum

PRESTIGIOUS... Janet Mawdsley, with her Queen's Nurse award and her mum, Doris Holmes.

INNOVATION, leadership and a commitment to high standards have helped an Oldham Nurse gain the prestigious Queen's Nurse title.

Janet Mawdsley, a Clinical Nurse Specialist for children's diabetes was presented with a badge and certificate for the honour during a ceremony in London this month.

The event was made even more special for Janet as her mum, Doris Holmes, who was awarded the Queen's Nurse title herself in the 1960s, was also invited on stage to watch her daughter receive the honour.

Janet, from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: "I am very proud to be given this prestigious recognition as my mum was awarded the Queen's district nurse title in the late 60s - so to follow in her footsteps is fantastic.

"This can only enhance the care for the children and young people in Oldham with diabetes, as the workshops, bursaries and networking opportunities available will help to better the service we can provide."

The Queen's Nurse title recognises a commitment to high standards of patient care, learning and leadership with the application requiring references from two patients and service managers, along with the submission of a personal vision and values around community nursing.

Condition

Janet achieved the innovation and leadership award for her work on a joint project, with her colleague Claire O'Connor, a hospital-based dietician, around structured education for children and young people with type one diabetes.

The initiative, Sugar3, includes an app and website with videos, games and educational materials to help young people and their families manage the condition.

Siobhan Ebden, Head of Oldham Children's Services at Pennine Care, said: "Janet has demonstrated many years of excellent care for children, young people and their families, so the award is a well-deserved recognition.

"She has been at the forefront of ensuring young people with diabetes have access to innovative technology, such as the insulin pump, which ensures they have the best opportunities for a happy, healthy life."

Queen's nurses have access to additional development workshops, bursaries and networking opportunities.

Dr Crystal Oldham, Chief Executive of the QNI, said: "Congratulations are due to Janet for her success. Community nurses are expert professionals who make a vital contribution to patient health and wellbeing every day."