A DEDICATED nurse who has been supporting patients and families at a Worcester hospice for years has been applauded for her hard work.

Bernie Fisher, who provides compassionate end of life care at St Richard’s Hospice, has been named as a Queen’s Nurse by the Queen’s Nursing Institute.

The award recognises particularly highly-skilled community nurses who treat their patients with respect and are committed to improving care while working as a role model to colleagues.

Mrs Fisher, who lives in Upton, has worked for more than 30 years in oncology and community nursing, having qualified as a registered nurse in 1981.

She has been working with St Richard’s Hospice for the past six years, supporting patients registered with two GP practices in Worcester and working with community healthcare teams to manage symptoms, offer emotional support and help them make choices about their care.

Mrs Fisher, who was handed the award at a special ceremony in London last month, said she was honoured to be awarded the title.

“I am passionate about providing excellent nursing care to very vulnerable patients in the community, and am looking forward to linking with other Queen’s Nurses to develop new ideas that continue to develop our service,” she said.

As part of her new title Mrs Fisher will be able to attend a range of special workshops and networking opportunities.

Chief executive of the Queen’s Nursing Institute Crystal Oldman congratulated Mrs Fisher for her success.

“Community nurses operate in an ever more challenging world and our role is to support them as effectively as we can,” she said.

“The Queen’s Nurse title is a key part of this and we would encourage other community nurses to apply.”

St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care and support for more than 2,600 patients living with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

The charity runs a day hospice and 17-bed, 24-hour inpatient unit in Wildwood Drive while many patients are also cared for in their own homes.

For more information call 01905 763963 or visit www.strichards.org.uk.