There are some 20 Queen’s Nurses in Guernsey, who about seven years ago were seeking ways to raise awareness of their charity, which provides training schemes and support to nurses, while ensuring excellent, high-quality healthcare.
‘To be awarded with the title Queen’s Nurse is an honour,’ said Alison Carney, one of Guernsey’s Queen’s Nurses.
‘It doesn’t mean I have letters after my name or anything, but in my professional role I’m allowed to cite the fact. It’s validation and acknowledgement of what you do, and a public demonstration of how proud I am of the work that I do. It offers lots of professional support, networking and training support as well. We have lovely badges that we wear on special occasions. I wear mine on my uniform every day.’
The UK Queen’s Nursing Institute is the oldest nursing organisation in the UK, founded during Queen Victoria’s reign. It relies on the National Garden Scheme for about half of its annual income. After realising this, Mr Evison – a long-time fan of the open garden scheme – told the local Queen’s Nurses that if they introduced the scheme to the islands, he would love to breed a special plant in their honour.
‘It was sort of a playful challenge,’ said Miss Carney, ‘but we all got our heads together.’
Now, visitors have been welcomed to explore the private gardens of islanders since June 2022, thanks to the efforts of the local Queen’s Nurses NGS committee.
As promised, Clematis Queen’s Nurse EviGsy159 – a deep rosy pink flower with prominent primrose anthers – is budding, ready to bloom in April, and flourish at its debut at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
‘It has been named Queen’s Nurse to acknowledge the wonderful care that the Queen’s Nurses give in the community in the UK, but especially in Guernsey where their work goes almost unnoticed,’ said Mr Evison.
‘And to also thank the Guernsey Queen’s Nurses for their amazing fundraising efforts in opening gardens in the Bailiwick of Guernsey for the National Gardens Scheme, which raises money for numerous charities.’
The local Queen’s Nurses who are responsible for planting the seeds of the NGS in Guernsey, have been invited to see their pink plant of pride in all its glory at the Chelsea Flower Show in May.
‘It feels absolutely amazing to have our own clematis,’ said Miss Carney.
‘It’s so joyful, and such a brilliant, high-profile platform for us. People will ask about the plant’s name, and then maybe look up and find out more about the charity. It’s so generous of Raymond and we’re all delighted.’
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