Hospice worker given prestigious Queen's Nurse title

Suzanne Ward has worked at Derian House Children’s Hospice for 13 years

A hospice worker who specialises in end-of-life care for sick children has been granted the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse.

Suzanne Ward, 51, joined Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley, Lancashire, 13 years ago and became one of the first advanced clinical practitioners to operate at a hospice, after completing her masters degree in 2020.

The nurse, who is from Astley in Wigan, said it meant “the absolute world” to receive the historic Queen’s Nurse title, which recognises professionals that deliver outstanding care.

She said the title, which was introduced in the 1880s, would “allow me to continue my commitment to improving paediatric palliative care across the region”.

Ms Ward was praised by hospice staff for her dediation and compassion

“My personal vision is that every baby, child, young person, and their families, should receive the best palliative nursing care by a knowledgeable and skilled nurse, within their preferred place of care,” she said.

Catherine Randall, chief nurse at Derian House Children’s Hospice, described it as “a great honour”, adding that Ms Ward’s “dedication, compassion and commitment to excellence in nursing inspires us all”.

The title is granted by the Queen’s Nursing Institute for those delivering and leading outstanding care in communities.