AN AWARD-WINNING nurse has received a royal seal of approval.

Rosie Barton, a practice nurse at Virgin Care’s Lyme Regis Medical Centre, has been awarded the title of ‘Queen’s Nurse’ by community nursing charity The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI).

Professor Jean White, QNI fellow and chief nursing officer in Wales, presented Rosie, 39 and the other new Queen’s Nurses with their badges and certificates at an awards ceremony in London.

The QNI Awards Evening 2017 was held at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, with more than 300 nurses and guests attending.

The award recognises and celebrates the dedication, passion and skills of nurses working in the community.

Rosie has worked at the Uplyme Road centre for 12 years and is a practice nurse and prescriber at the GP surgery as well as working in the facility's minor injuries unit. 

Sarah Russell, practice nurse team lead, who supported Rosie’s application said: “Rosie is hard-working, kind and loyal to the practice and is a person who you can rely on to get things done. 

"She works tirelessly, not only within her everyday nursing role but also in other areas which help the smooth running of the practice such as attending safeguarding and medicine management meetings. 

"I am very proud to have her as part of my team.”

Dr Crystal Oldman, QNI chief executive, said: “Community nurses are expert professionals who make a vital contribution to patient health and wellbeing every day. 

"As a national charity the QNI can share innovation and best practice, supporting nurses to deliver healthcare to patients in local communities.”

Rosie said: “I’m strongly committed to high standards of practice to deliver better patient care for the people of Lyme Regis. 

"I certainly share the common values among the other nurses who have been awarded this title and it was an honour to be recognised as a Queen’s Nurse.”