Two dedicated nurses from Erskine Veterans Charity have been honoured with the prestigious Queen’s Nurse Award. Ashley Kvasiliene and Kim Barron have been awarded the esteemed title of Queen’s Nurse by the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS) for their exceptional commitment to community nursing and the outstanding care they provide to veterans at Erskine, Scotland’s leading veterans charity.
Kim Barron, an advanced nurse practitioner at Erskine’s home in Bishopton, and Ashley Kvasiliene, house manager at Erskine’s home in Edinburgh, were selected to participate in a rigorous nine-month development programme organised by QNIS earlier this year. Upon successful completion of the programme, both nurses were presented with the Queen’s Nurse title during a ceremony held at the Grassmarket community project in Edinburgh last week.
The Queen’s Nurse title has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century when specially trained district nurses delivered essential care to underserved communities. QNIS revived the Queen’s Nurse programme to recognise modern-day community nurses who exemplify these high standards of care and compassion. This year, 21 community nurses, including Ashley and Kim, were chosen to undertake an intensive programme focused on promoting equity and inclusion in healthcare.
Ashley’s project centred on workforce wellbeing, while Kim focused on leadership and development, both areas crucial to their roles at Erskine in enhancing the quality of care for veterans and supporting their colleagues. Derek Barron, director of care at Erskine, expressed immense pride in Ashley and Kim’s achievement, highlighting their dedication to delivering the highest standards of care to Scotland’s veterans.
Erskine Veterans Charity is known for providing nursing, residential, and dementia care in care homes across Scotland. The recognition of Ashley and Kim with the Queen’s Nurse Award underscores the exceptional calibre of nursing staff at Erskine and their unwavering commitment to the well-being of veterans.
In conclusion, the Queen’s Nurse Award is a well-deserved accolade for Ashley and Kim, showcasing their dedication and professionalism in providing exemplary care to those in need. Their commitment to serving veterans at Erskine reflects the values of compassion and excellence that define the charity’s mission in supporting Scotland’s veterans.