MORE than 30 years of dedication to patient care have earned cancer nurse Jackie Rooney a prestigious Royal honour.

Jackie Rooney, head of nursing and safeguarding at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, has been awarded the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse.

In a career spanning more than 37 years, her roles have included diabetes network manager and senior nurse for quality and safety for NHS England.

The Queen’s Nurse honour was awarded in recognition of Jackie’s extensive track record in implementing and delivering large scale change programmes in both primary and community care.

She has made a significant contribution to NHS England, working at both a regional and national level to improve outcomes for patients with long term conditions and individuals with a learning disability.

Recent work at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre includes showcasing an informational video for people with cancer who also have a learning disability during Learning Disability Week 2020.

Jackie - one of only 28 nurses in Merseyside with the accolade of Queen’s Nurse - said: "I feel privileged, honoured and very proud to have been granted this prestigious award.

"It is humbling to know that my commitment to improving patient care, patient, family and carer advocacy and nurse leadership, together with service and clinical pathway development, has been recognised in this way.

"I am looking forward to the networking opportunities the award will give me and being able to demonstrate my commitment to improving patient care."

Karen Kay, deputy director of nursing at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Jackie is a highly visible leader here at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and is never too busy for anyone who needs her help.

"She demonstrates compassion, patient-centred leadership and is a true advocate for change.

"Her fast pace of working and her drive to make a difference for both patients and staff, as well as her commitment to quality and patient safety, makes her a joy to work with and I'm delighted she's been recognised as a Queen's Nurse."

Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, chief executive of the Queen's Nursing Institute, said: "On behalf of the QNI I would like to congratulate Jackie and welcome her as a Queen’s Nurse.

"Queen’s Nurses serve as leaders and role models in community nursing, delivering high quality health care across the country."