​Colette Fotheringham, team leader of the Children’s Community Nursing Team along with Laura McCann the Community Learning Disability Charge Nurse have been chosen to partake in a nine-month development programme run by The Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland.

Colette Fotheringham was recognised for her incredible work ethic, perseverance as well as her “transformational” work within the service. Colleagues described her as continuously going above and beyond for her care for children including implementing paediatric day-care and supporting children to remain at home.

She said “I am very grateful to have been nominated and given the opportunity to be on the Queen’s Nurse Development Programme and I am honoured to be recognised as a Queen’s Nurse. The last nine months have been inspiring, challenging and fun, and using the tools and knowledge provided on the programme I will continue to support and inspire the amazing team I work with to provide excellent innovative care for the children, young people, and families of Forth Valley.”

Laura McCann was recognised for her continuous support, sympathy and advocacy for learning disabilities and her drive to evolve the students and staff she supports daily and described her receiving this award as one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences in her career yet.

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She said: “The Queen’s Nurse programme has supported my development as a leader and allowed me to develop links with my normal practice enabling me to make a positive difference within our community.

“This is just the start of my Queen’s Nurse journey.

“I will continue to ensure our team flourishes, improve health services for people with learning disabilities and be a catalyst for social change throughout my career.”

In order to receive this award nurses are selected at random by employer nomination and undergo panel interviews for their clinical expertise and sympathetic nature.

During the ceremony which took place on Friday 2nd December, each nurse received a Queen’s Nurse Badge, a certificate and a uniquely commissioned Harris Tweed tie or sash presented by Professor Alex McMahon the Chief Nursing Officer.

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