Publish date: 4 December 2024
We’re delighted to celebrate the achievements of three exceptional nurses—Fana Abraha, Bernice Akuamoah-Boateng, and Paula Lyons—who were awarded the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse at the 2024 Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) Awards Ceremony.
The event, held on Friday 29 November, in London, celebrated excellence in community and primary healthcare, with 587 nurses across the UK receiving the Queen’s Nurse title.
This honour recognises their dedication to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care, clinical expertise, and leadership in community nursing.
The title is not an award for past service but indicates a commitment to high standards of patientcare, learning and leadership. Nurses who hold the title benefit from developmental workshops, bursaries, networking opportunities and a shared professional identity.
Meet Our Queen’s Nurses
Fana Abraha
As a Community Matron in Hounslow, Fana Abraha manages complex cases, prevents avoidable hospital admissions, and provides palliative and end-of-life care. She is deeply committed to supporting patients and families, advocating for their needs, and ensuring safe and effective discharges.
Fana said: "The Queen’s Nurse title offers a platform to promote excellence in nursing, influence healthcare policy, and collaborate with a network of professionals. This recognition inspires me to innovate, advance patient outcomes, and grow professionally as I pursue my Master’s degree."
Bernice Akuamoah-Boateng
Based with the District Nursing team at Heart of Hounslow, Bernice has long aspired to become a Queen’s Nurse.
She works as a community matron and plays a vital role in the leading and management of international nurses within the team.
Bernice also works with GPs within the Heston Locality to help prevent admissions for long-term conditions and is currently studying for her masters in leadership and management at Kingston University.
She said: "Being awarded the Queen’s Nurse title is one of the greatest achievements of my career. I have always worked with sincerity, empathy, and diligence to support colleagues and patients, and this recognition motivates me to continue making a difference in my community."
Bernice expressed gratitude to her colleagues and past and present managers for their support throughout her career.
Paula Lyons
Paula Lyons, a dedicated member of the Community Nursing Team, was also conferred the Queen’s Nurse title for her exceptional contributions to advancing community nursing practices.
James Davies, Head of Nursing for the Integrated Care Service Line, said:
"We are immensely proud of Paula’s achievement, which is a significant milestone for the Trust. Her leadership and dedication to improving healthcare delivery have left a lasting impact on patients and colleagues alike."
What is a Queen’s Nurse?
The Queen’s Nurse title is awarded to nurses who demonstrate high standards of patient care, clinical expertise, and leadership in community nursing. These professionals are known for their passion, person-centred approach, and commitment to driving innovation in healthcare.
West London NHS Trust congratulates Fana, Bernice, and Paula on this outstanding recognition. Their achievements highlight the exceptional contributions of our community nurses and inspire us all to strive for excellence in patient care.
The title of Queen’s Nurse is open to registered nurses with more than five years’ experience working in the community. Managers and patients provide feedback about applicants, which is assessed along with their application. For more information on Queen’s Nurses, visit http://www.qni.org.uk.