School nurse wins top national award

A SCHOOL nurse from Warrington has been awarded the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse by the Queen’s Nursing Institute.
Sister Diana Matthews lived at Warrington but works at Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG).
One of only six Queen’s Nurses in the North West, Sister Matthews has been recognised for demonstrating a high level of commitment to patient-centred values and excellence in practice, innovation and improvements in care. Her work with the Independent School Nurses Forum was also highlighted as demonstrating best practice in her role.
Sister Matthews helped to set up the Independent School Nurses Forum in the North West when she discovered a need for additional support for nurses in independent schools. She is now secretary of the local forum which holds twice yearly meetings.
She said: “This is fantastic news and I am absolutely thrilled to be a Queen’s Nurse. I’m also pleased that my role will enable me to enrich my learning and provide further benefit to pupils at MHSG.”
Head Mistress, Mrs Christine Lee-Jones added: “This is an excellent achievement for many an unsung hero and for Sister Matthews it is also an acknowledgment of her outstanding contribution at MHSG over the last 11 years. We are all extremely proud of her.”
Sister Matthews completed a rigorous application process which included writing a personal statement and reflective articles on clinical skills, clinical role models and strategic influence. Feedback was also provided by her peers and patients.
She will be presented with a certificate and commemorative badge by the Queen’s Nursing Institute at an official ceremony later this year and will now join a Queen’s Nurses’ learning set and help others improve their practice.