A DISTRICT nurse based in South Cheshire has received the prestigious Queen's nurse award.

Joanne Bowen, who is Head of Quality, Nursing and Professional Leadership at Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership, received the title in recognition of her commitment to district nursing.

The Queen's Nurse programme brings together community nurses to develop their professional skills and deliver outstanding patient care in the community.

Joanne has been recognised for her devotion to personalised care which ensures that each and every patient has individualised care with which they, their carers' and family feel involved and informed.

Personalised care supports self-management and long term wellbeing and independence.

Joanne said: "The Queen's Nurse title will provide me with an outstanding opportunity to network with other nurses from different backgrounds and with different experiences, giving opportunities for me to learn, develop, adopt and practice new skills which will ultimately benefit patient services and care.

"I am passionate about developing community nursing and this will enable me to further promote the merits and strengths of what we do. I hope that my peers and other nursing staff will be inspired to also want to apply to continue promoting a culture of high standards and patient centred care."

Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership is a collaboration between Mid-Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust whose main base is at Leighton Hospital, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and the South Cheshire and Vale Royal GP Alliance, which covers 29 local GP practices.