A MOUNTBATTEN nurse has been presented with the prestigious title of Queen's Nurse.

Dee Curless has become the first end of life community nurse specialist on the Isle of Wight to be presented with the title.

Consultant nurse Dee has cared for Islanders approaching the end of their lives, as well as supporting their friends and families, for the past 22 years.

Her commitment to high standards of patient care, learning and leadership have been recognised by community nursing charity the Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI), formed in 1887.

Speaking about the moment she received the letter confirming her title, Dee said: "When the news arrived in the post, I opened the envelope ­— I was on my own at the time ­— and I had quite a moment.

"I’m very proud to be a nurse, but this wouldn’t have happened if this organisation hadn’t enabled me in the way that it has, and supported the team and me.

"This isn’t just about me, this is about the work of the whole team, giving the best patient care we can."

Dr Crystal Oldman, chief executive of the QNI said: "On behalf of the QNI, I would like to congratulate Dee 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."

Liz Arnold, Mountbatten’s director of nursing, said: "It is with immense pride we offer our heartfelt congratulations to Dee, who has devoted her life to deliver an exceptional standard of nursing to Island people."

Mountbatten's nurses are entirely funded by donations, and the charity thanked the Isle of Wight community for its support.

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