A WORKER at NHS Borders has been awarded the Queen's Nurse title.

The region's health board announced that Faye Fowler, who works at Knoll Community Hospital, was given the title after completing the nine-month Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS) programme.

This means that the Borders has had a Queen's Nurse every year since the award was reintroduced in 2017.

The programme requires nurses to choose an issue for development that will have a 'significant impact' on those they care for, with a focus on promoting equity and inclusion.

The learning during the nine months is then applied in practice.

After completing the programme, Ms Fowler was awarded the Queen’s Nurse title along with 20 other community nurses at a ceremony on Thursday (November 28) at the Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh.

Ms Fowler, a senior charge nurse, said: "I have been very fortunate in securing a place with the QNIS programme this year.

"The programme has given me the opportunity to work alongside inspiring community colleagues across Scotland from various backgrounds.

"I can already see areas of my own practice that have been enhanced or adapted leading to better outcomes for patients, staff and myself.

"The drive and passion I have for delivering excellent and adaptable care to the community is a vision that I believe can be achieved.

"I wish everyone could have this amazing opportunity, or at least a slice of it."

Sarah Horan, director of nursing, midwifery, and allied health professionals at NHS Borders, said: "I would like to extend my congratulations to Faye on her award, as I know that she has really embraced the challenge of becoming a Queen’s Nurse.

"The process of being accepted onto the programme isn’t easy, and this recognition reflects not only Faye’s exceptional commitment and resilience, but also her passion for providing outstanding care in the community.

"Eight community nurses from NHS Borders have been awarded Queen’s Nurse status since the programme was re-established in 2017.

"It is a fabulous learning and leadership development opportunity, and I hope more of our community-based nurses will aspire to follow in Faye’s footsteps and achieve this title in the future."