Hospice carer gets Queen's Nurse title

Belinda Marks receiving a certificate from Sue Ryder chief operating officer Alan BowersImage source, Manorlands Hospice
Image caption,

Belinda Marks has received other accolades including one of the hospice's Value in Practice (VIP) awards

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A former NHS carer has been awarded the Queen's Nurse title for her innovations in end-of-life care at the hospice where she works.

Belinda Marks joined the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope, Keighley, after a 40-year career in oncological and palliative care with the health service.

The award acknowledges her innovative approach which has included the introduction of nurse-led beds and getting more patients in the community access to the hospice.

The title of Queen’s Nurse was awarded to just 564 nurses across the UK in 2023 and is only granted following a rigorous application process.

Image source, Manorlands Hospice
Image caption,

Bradford City's mascot Billy Bantam with Belinda Marks during a morale-boosting visit to the hospice

Ms Marks, 62, from Oxenhope, joined Sue Ryder in 2022 and is an advanced practitioner.

“In all my years of being a nurse I have never lost my passion, and to be awarded the Queen’s Nurse title is such a wonderful accolade," she said.

“What keeps me so passionate is knowing the difference you make through your work.

"Even if you can make one tiny difference for a patient or a family, it can have such a huge impact.”

The QN award is recognition of individual nurses who have demonstrated a high level of commitment to ongoing learning, leadership and excellence in healthcare.

Applicants have to submit details of their professional career, essays in reflective practice, and references from patients, managers and colleagues.

Sarah Bottomley, service director at the hospice, said: "Belinda never fails to impress me with her commitment to her role, her passion for palliative care, which is unwavering, and her boundless enthusiasm for developing services.

"All to ensure people receive the support they need when faced with a palliative diagnosis."

The QN title, which was originally a qualification, was reintroduced in 2007.

It is now a formal recognition by the Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI) that the person is part of a professional network of nurses committed to delivering and leading outstanding care in the community.

The QNI is the UK's oldest professional nursing organisation and one of the oldest nursing charities in the world.

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