Mel Cambage, our Interim Head of Nursing has been named as a Queen’s Nurse.
A specialist in community nursing, Mel and her team deliver a wide variety of nursing interventions in people’s own homes. Such as wound care, injectable medication administration and end-of-life care.
The 46-year-old mother of three from Hutton Rudby has been awarded the title of Queen’s Nurse from the Queen’s Nursing Institute. In recognition of her skills in developing community nursing services and practice.
Mel said: “The title of Queen’s Nurse reflects my qualifications and experience within community nursing. It doesn’t mean I’ll be caring for the Queen anytime soon!
“The award is open to nursing staff who have worked for at least five years in the community setting. For those who are able to demonstrate their involvement and drive to develop community nursing services.
“You need support from a manager who has known your work for at least a year who will support the application process and provide written testimony. I also needed written submissions from colleagues to provide support as to how I have improved patient care and developed community nursing practice.”
Mel recently received confirmation of her accreditation but due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. The annual presentation ceremony will this year be a virtual celebration.
Julie Lane, Chief Nurse and Director of Patient Safety and Quality for the Trust, said: “This is just brilliant news for Mel and the entire Trust.
“As a nurse myself, I know how skilled you have to be to achieve the title of Queen’s Nurse.
“Mel plays a hugely important role in our Trust and is an inspiration to all the staff.”
Mel qualified as a nurse in 1995. She has been employed with North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust since 1999. With one year spent at nearby South Tees NHS Foundation Trust.
Mel explained why she chose to specialise in community nursing: “As a student nurse I worked alongside a very experienced District Nursing Sister. In my first and second year of training.
“I found the work she did diverse and challenging. I realised quickly that this is where I wanted to work.
“This lady was inspirational and always thought outside of the box. Ensuring that her patients had the very best of nursing care.
“I also enjoyed caring for people in their own homes; building up relationships with both patients and their families.
“Community is also very diverse in terms of the different specialties. From District Nursing to Rapid Response or Heart Failure to Specialist Palliative Care. All interlinked but very distinct in their roles.
“I am very fortunate to have found an area that I love to work.”
Mel also thanked those who have helped achieve the Queen’s nurse accreditation: “I’d like to say Thank You to all of my community nursing colleagues past and present. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support and guidance.”
The Queen’s Nursing Institute website explains more about the award.