Regional Lead Awarded Prestigious Title of Queen’s Nurse
Congratulations to Sarah Monks, Ageing Well Lead within Community Health Services, NHS England, North East and Yorkshire region for being awarded the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse by community nursing charity The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI).
Sarah (pictured), who graduated as a nurse from the University of Manchester, has also received a number of national awards for leadership and recognition for improvement work for those living with dementia and for her work in equality and diversity. 
Sarah has a Masters in Health and Social Care, a Masters in Advanced Intervention in Mental Health, Post Graduate Certificate in Education for Higher Education and remains a fellow at the Health Education Authority. Sarah also has a post graduate qualification in action-based research, following a piece of research that aimed to improve physical health outcomes for people living with dementia in the community.
Sarah said:
“This award is a real honour. There are times in life when we all need care and support – it is a privilege to be there for people during those moments. It would not have been possible to have achieved so much without guidance and support from patients, family and colleagues. On that note, I would like to thank Gill Hunt and Tracy Wright for the ongoing support and inspiration they offer. I am proud to be a part of the Nursing Directorate, surrounded by colleagues who place patients at the centre of all they do.”
Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, Chief Executive of the QNI said:
“On behalf of the QNI I would like to congratulate Sarah Monks 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 improving care for patients, their families and carers. We look forward to working with Sarah and all other new Queen’s Nurses who have received the title this year.”
Sarah began her nursing journey at the University of Manchester. She is passionate about community services, person-centred care, encouraging professional development and shaping the future workforce. She has also worked as an academic in a number of universities as a senior lecturer in nursing and is currently completing a part-time doctorate, carrying out a community-based research study.