A substance misuse community nurse from Wolverhampton who has dedicated over 24 years to adult nursing is to receive a prestigious Queen’s Nurse title.
Emily Dalloway is one of 1,967 nurses in the country to become a Queen’s Nurse, in recognition for the outstanding care she provides in her role at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT).
The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) is the oldest professional nursing organisation in the UK and is believed to be the oldest nursing charity in the world, dating back to 1887. The title of Queen’s Nurse is given to those who serve as leaders and role models in community nursing, delivering high quality health care across the country.
There have been a total of 1,967 nurses to date who have received this prestigious title, 54 of which are from the West Midlands.
Emily began her nursing career in 1998 at New Cross Hospital where she was first exposed to the damaging effects of drug and alcohol addiction. She has since dedicated her life to supporting those with substance misuse by working for BSMHFT’s partners, Recovery Near You, a drug and alcohol service for the people of Wolverhampton.
In 2021 she decided to go back to university to develop her skills within health assessments and examinations within the clinical practice, which is where she first came across the Queen's Nurse title.
“While I was at University, I noticed that one of my lecturers had ‘Queen’s Nurse’ at the bottom of their emails. After reading up on this incredible title, I decided to put myself forward for one too," she said.
The title of Queen’s Nurse is open to registered nurses with more than five years’ experience working in the community. Managers and patients provide feedback about applicants, which is assessed along with their application.
Speaking about her new title, Emily added:
"I am absolutely elated that after all my years as a nurse and my dedication to the profession, I finally have this title."
Steve Forsythe, Interim Chief Nursing Officer for Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“This in an exceptional achievement for an exceptional nurse. Having personally worked with Emily over the years, I have seen first-hand just how much of a committed, inclusive and compassionate nurse she is with all of her patients. She is a testament to the nursing profession - congratulations Emily!”
Emily is set to receive her certification on 28 November at Friends House, London.
