The Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI), established in 1887 during Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, was originally named in her honour. Since its inception it has had a royal patron, although not always the reigning monarch. Queen Victoria's era marked the development of modern nursing services in the UK and beyond, including the start of organised district nursing in 1859. Queen Elizabeth II, the fifth Patron, reinstated the Queen's Nurse title in 2007 and hosted Queen's Nurses at Buckingham Palace garden parties and other events. The current Patron, the sixth, is Queen Camilla.
William Rathbone (1819-1902) was a prominent English philanthropist and businessman who played a crucial role in the founding of the QNI. He was committed to improving healthcare and nursing services. After experiencing the challenges of caring for his terminally ill wife at home, he recognised the need for professional nursing care within the community. This led him to hire Florence Nightingale-trained nurse Mary Robinson to care for his wife. In 1859, Rathbone established a system of district nursing in Liverpool, which eventually expanded to other cities. His efforts concluded in the founding of the Queen Victoria's Jubilee Institute for Nurses in 1887, now known as the QNI.
The QNI is dedicated to improving nursing care for individuals at home and within the community. This mission is pursued through a national network of Queen's Nurses, who are committed to upholding the highest standards of care. It plays a crucial role in the development and establishment of standards that support specialist and advanced university qualifications for nurses. By providing funding, the QNI empowers nurses to enhance their skills and innovate their practice, ultimately improving the care and support that they offer patients, carers and families. One of the aspirations of the QNI is a future where more individuals are treated at home rather than in hospitals, where technology is fully leveraged and the nurse-patient relationship remains central.
The QNI also lobbies and influences government, policymakers and employers to advocate for better investment in nursing services. It aims to ensure that the voices of community nurses are heard and that the necessary resources are allocated to support their work.
The QNI also engages in philanthropic activities, offering financial support to working and retired community nurses who find themselves in need.
Furthermore, the QNI places a strong emphasis on leadership through its programmes designed for senior executive nurses and aspiring community leaders. These programmes highlight the importance of effective leadership in developing high-quality nursing services and supporting the nurses who deliver them. By fostering strong leadership, the QNI aims to ensure the continuous improvement and sustainability of community nursing care.
The QNI firmly believes that exceptional leadership at a strategic level is essential for delivering high-quality nursing care in the community. To honour and promote such leadership, the QNI presents the William Rathbone X Annual Award for Excellence in Executive Nurse Leadership of Community Nursing Services. This award not only recognises the profound influence of superior strategic nursing leadership but also highlights the importance of robust support for nursing staff.
When nurses pay tribute to each other through awards and accolades, it creates a strong sense of community and mutual respect within the profession. This peer recognition is particularly meaningful as it comes from individuals who understand the challenges and demands of the field first-hand. Moreover, peer recognition reinforces the values of teamwork and mutual support, which are crucial for the successful delivery of healthcare services.
The William Rathbone Annual Award plays a crucial role in promoting and sustaining high standards of care. It not only honours those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership but also fosters an environment where excellence is recognised, appreciated and aspired to by all. Through such recognition, the QNI aims to inspire and encourage ongoing commitment to leadership excellence, ultimately enhancing the quality of community nursing services and improving patient outcomes.