Mid Yorkshire nurse honoured with prestigious Queen’s Nurse title | News

A local nurse from Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust has been awarded the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse by the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QNI).

Steph Cooper, who lives in Barnsley, has been recognised for her exceptional dedication, compassionate care, and commitment to going above and beyond for her patients and community.

She began her nursing career in 2000, celebrating 25 years as a nurse in September with 19 years of her career being community based. Steph joined Mid Yorkshire in 2016, where she has worked across several community-based roles. This wealth of experience has contributed to her eligibility for the Queen’s Nurse programme, which is open to registered nurses with at least five years’ experience in community settings.

Speaking about the recognition, Steph Cooper, Assistant Deputy Director of Nursing for Adult Community Services said:

It is an honour to receive this title and to be recognised as a Queen’s Nurse. Community nursing is something I am deeply passionate about, and I am proud to be part of such a valued profession.

The Queen’s Nurse title, reintroduced in 2007 after nearly 40 years, is a nationally recognised mark of excellence. It highlights a nurse’s ongoing commitment to learning, leadership, and delivering the very highest standards of community healthcare.

Talib Yaseen, Chief Nursing Officer at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, said:

We are incredibly proud of Stephanie’s achievement. The Queen’s Nurse title follows a rigorous assessment process, recognising health and social care nurses across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. For Stephanie to be acknowledged in this way is a huge credit to both her and the Trust, reflecting the outstanding care she provides to our patients. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.

Steph Lawrence MBE, Chief Executive of the QICN added:

On behalf of the QICN, I would like to congratulate Stephanie, and welcome her as a Queen's Nurse. Queen's Nurses serve as leaders and role models in community nursing, delivering high quality health care across the country. The application and assessment process to become a Queen's Nurse is rigorous and requires clear commitment to improve care for patients, their families and carers. We look forward to working with Stephanie and all other new Queen's Nurses who have received the title this year.

Stephanie will receive her Queen’s Nurse badge and certificate at the QNI’s annual awards ceremony later this year, alongside other newly appointed Queen’s Nurses.