Queen commends nursing charity: "Without your efforts, the public would be at a loss."
In a heartwarming display of appreciation, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II recently hosted a reception at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh for the Queen's Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS). The event was a testament to the invaluable work of the Queen's Nurses, community nurses renowned for their specialized training in delivering healthcare within local communities.
During the reception, the Queen expressed her gratitude to the QNIS nurses for their dedication and hard work. She acknowledged the crucial role they play in providing care that many people are indebted to, stating that they probably wouldn't know what to do without them.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, attended the event as the sixth patron of the QNIS, having taken on the role in 2024. Emma Legge, QNIS programme lead, presented Camilla with a Queen's Nurse badge, symbolizing her support for the organisation.
One of the attendees was retired nurse Barbara Panton, who was born in Jamaica and trained with the QNIS in 1965. Barbara, now 84, flew from the United States to attend the reception and had the privilege of speaking with the Queen about her work as a nurse. During their conversation, Barbara complimented the Queen on her dress and shared her disbelief at being invited to such a prestigious event.
QNIS, originally established in 1899 with a donation from Queen Victoria, has played a pivotal role in Scotland's healthcare system by focusing on training, leadership development, and support for community nursing. The Institute offers high-quality, unique opportunities that enable nurses and midwives to work closely with local communities and learn from them, ensuring they are prepared to meet the specific healthcare needs of people in their local areas.
Today, QNIS provides professional development opportunities for Scotland's community nurses and midwives, supporting them in addressing health inequalities. There are currently more than 170 Queen's Nurses working in Scotland, with the title being awarded by the charity's Queen's Nurse development program.
The reception was held in the Great Gallery of the palace, with attendees served wine and nibbles by immaculately-dressed members of staff throughout the evening. QNIS chair Erica Reid gave a speech thanking the Queen for her continued patronage, while Barbara Panton expressed her gratitude to the Queen for taking the time to speak with the attendees, particularly because they are part of her generation.
This focus on community nursing helps bridge hospital care and everyday health needs, making QNIS a key contributor to Scotland’s broader healthcare system. The Queen's Nurses are community nurses recognized for their advanced training and commitment to delivering healthcare in patients’ homes and local environments. The title "Queen's Nurse" in Scotland dates back to the late 19th century, reflecting a long tradition of excellence in community nursing supported by a dedicated organization.
At the reception, the Queen praised the QNIS for their significant contributions to health-and-wellness, commending their role in delivering specialized healthcare within local communities. Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, expressed her support for the QNIS by accepting a Queen's Nurse badge during the event.
Building on Queen Victoria's donation, the QNIS has been instrumental in Scotland's healthcare system, providing professional development opportunities for community nurses and midwives, focusing on training, leadership development, and rural healthcare support. Their advanced training and commitment to delivering healthcare in patients’ homes and local environments make the Queen's Nurses a key component of Scotland's broader health-and-wellness framework.
