The Royal College of Nursing has paid tribute to the nurses recognised in the King’s New Year Honours List for 2024. Royal College of Nursing President Sheilabye Sobrany said: ‘Those recognised embody the extraordinary professionalism, innovation, dedication and expertise shown by nursing staff across the UK every single day.’
The list included a CBE for former RCN president Dr Denise Chaffer; an MBE for Joint Regional Chief Nurse for NHS England in the North West, James McLean; and an OBE for Lorraine Sunduza, the former Chief Nurse for the East London NHS Foundation Trust who now serves as its interim Chief Executive. ‘I am humbled and delighted to be chosen to receive an OBE. The honour for me is being acknowledged for the things that I am passionate about,’ said Ms Sunduza.
Debbie Brown, editor-in-chief of Independent Nurse sibling title Practice Nursing, was also amongst those who received recognition for their work. As an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Director for the Lewisham Community Education Provider Network Training Hub, she was awarded an MBE for her services to nursing and the NHS.
‘I may be the one to receive this award, but I could not have got here without the amazing dedication and support from all my work colleagues,’ Ms Brown said. ‘I hope this will inspire GPNs everywhere to believe in their abilities to be leaders and to continue to provide excellent patient care and services.’
NHS Chief Executive, Amanda Pritchard also welcomed the recognition given to nurses. Ms Pritchard said, ‘Whether leading improvements in nursing, mental health and paediatric surgery, tackling health inequalities or delivering life-saving critical care, the difference that each of those honoured has made for patients is immense.’