Gill Treverton and Rachel Bruce were presented with their badges and certificates at a special ceremony in London by Chief Nursing Officer in England Jane Cummings.

Gill, Senior Academic Tutor in the Department of Clinical Education and Leadership, said: “I am absolutely thrilled and feel so proud to be recognised in this way.”

Rachel, Lecturer in Community District Nursing, added: “It was really exciting attending the ceremony and it is very satisfying knowing that your contribution to health care has been honoured.”

The title Queen’s Nurse is awarded by community nursing charity The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI). It indicates a commitment to high standards of patient care, learning and leadership.

There are some 940 Queen’s Nurses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Gill and Rachel are believed to be two of just eight to have the award in Bedfordshire.

Dr Crystal Oldman, Chief Executive of the QNI, said: “Congratulations are due to Gill and Rachel on their success. Community nurses are expert professionals who make a vital contribution to patient health and wellbeing every day.”

Tony Kemp, the University’s Director of Post Qualifying Healthcare Education, said: “I am proud to work alongside Gill and Rachel. This recognition enhances not only their standing individually but ours also as they lead and teach on our specialist community nursing courses.”

Gill, who lives in Sandy, joined the University in January 2013 after working for the NHS for 23 years. Rachel, from Dunstable, spent 28 years working in the NHS before moving to the University in July last year.

Rachel said: “I am looking forward to getting involved in the QNI networking opportunities. These will give me a real chance to influence future standards and policies and that will be very exciting.”

Gill added: “This award is not only a personal achievement for me, but also for the teaching team I work with, as it demonstrates commitment to the values and standards we uphold as nurses. My colleagues have been incredibly supportive in encouraging me to apply for this award, and for that I am very grateful.

“I look forward to enhancing my learning and sharing with colleagues, through the QNI networking meetings and conferences. But the important core of this award is to continue to maintain high standards of care and compassion for patients, whether it is direct hands on care, or via educating nurses of the future.”

CAPTION: (L-R: Gill Treverton, Jane Cummings (Chief Nursing Officer) and Rachel Bruce)