Only three people across the whole of the UK were granted the prestigious award this year – a recognition given to nurses who provide exceptional care to their patients and show a continuing passion and enthusiasm for nursing.
The award has left Catherine overwhelmed, but rightly proud. She said: “I am feeling such a range of emotions. I wouldn’t have imagined getting this award, it’s the highest honour you can get for nursing. I know some amazing nurses.’”
The Queen’s Nursing Institute, which presents the award, praised Catherine for her ‘passion for protecting vulnerable populations’ adding, ‘her restorative supervision for nurses has been a transformative initiative, promoting mental health and wellbeing within the nursing workforce’.
The awards brochure continues:
Catherine’s work, whether it is in direct patient care, policymaking, or supporting her colleagues, consistently contributes to advancing nursing practice and improving health outcomes. Her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities while providing outstanding care makes her a truly exceptional nurse.”
It’s easy to see why Catherine was chosen for the award. She is so passionate about nursing that she entered politics to bring her skills and knowledge to decision-making that has a positive impact on patients day-to-day.
Catherine, who is also a community nurse and works for Hertfordshire Community Trust, qualified as a nurse in 2006. She started her career as a nurse in the intensive care unit at the former Hemel Hospital before working as a forensic nurse examiner for abuse victims, a health visitor and then specialising in safeguarding.
Her passion for nursing has seen her write articles for industry publications including The Queen’s Nursing Institute, something which took her to Cyprus to understand the health challenges for children on military bases.
Catherine was awarded the Queen’s Nurse title two years ago and wants to show nurses and those considering nursing as a career, how diverse the role can be.
She said: “A lot of people think nurses just work in hospitals and do what doctors ask them to do. This award shows that nurses can do such a range of roles that people are not aware of. I feel really proud to be able to show the importance of these diverse roles and what community nursing is.”
Working in the community in a clinical role is a particular passion of Catherine’s and not one she will give up, whatever her role. She is so immersed in her community that she established the Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline and supports the Dacorum Women’s Aid. Catherine is also a local councillor for Leverstock Green Ward at Dacorum Council and its Deputy Mayor. She is the Chair of the Wellbeing Committee and the Housing and Communities committee – two areas where she feels she can use her knowledge as a nurse to best effect.
Catherine said: “I love to be in the community as a nurse – I think it’s really important that as nurses progress in their careers they do continue to experience the front line work. That is why I also went into politics. I think it’s important to be able to bring my knowledge and skills to influence policy.
“If I can inspire someone to go into nursing or even see nursing in a different way, I will be happy. It’s what being a Queen’s Nurse is all about, and what the Outstanding Service award means.”