Royal honour for long-serving nurse

Weymouth-based health visitor Jane Hill has been made a Queen’s Nurse by community nursing charity

The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) in honour of her 24 years’ service. A charity spokesperson said the title was given not only as an award for past services in recognition of a “continuing commitment to high standards of patient care, learning and leadership” throughout Jane’s career.

Her journey as a nurse started in Poole in 1978, where she trained in hospitals and in the community.

After qualifying, Jane’s career took her to Glasgow then Southampton and back to Dorset again. She specialises in neurological nursing, having completed a nursing degree and MBA, and working in intensive care and as a nurse educator for many years.

After starting a family, Jane opted to retrain as a health visitor and has worked across Dorset in the role since 1999. She said: “Despite many changes over the years, I still love being a health visitor and always try to make a difference for the families we work with. It’s a great job and privilege.

“As health visitors we work really hard – often unnoticed – assessing and supporting children and families to live their best lives. The key is listening to what someone is saying and exploring it. “Sometimes it’s just about telling someone they are doing a good job – being a parent is hard, yet many people forget about all the challenges it involves. “I enjoy trying to support families to make a difference for themselves, helping people tackle

Can you put the kettle on for us?

A friendship group established nearly 30 years ago is urgently in need of someone to spend a morning a week making teas and coffees after one of its founder members was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Bridport Disabled Carers and Friends Club have weekly meetings for the disabled, carers, the elderly and friends. There is no fee, though donations towards costs are welcome.

TEA PLEA: Bridport Disabled Group issues such as low mood, addiction, domestic abuse, having a child with additional needs or feeling anxiety around becoming a parent. It’s such a diverse role and different every day.”

In addition, help is on hand for benefit advice and monthly chiropody sessions. Meetings are held every Thursday 9amnoon at the Vernon’s Court Community Room off South Street.

Sadly Pete Bowditch, who makes the drinks for attendees, needs to find someone to take over after his diagnosis. Email pete.bowditch @hotmail.com or call 01308 423620 or 07805 622201.

Dawn Dawson, Chief Nursing Officer at Dorset HealthCare, said: “We are really proud of Jane. The Queen’s Award reflects her dedication and commitment to providing the best level of care possible for our clients and their children.

“At the same time, I’d like to thank all of our nurses for what they do. Whatever the setting, wherever the location, whomever the patient, the one thing all nursing staff have in common is their unwavering commitment to make a difference to people’s lives. Three years on since the start of the pandemic, our nurses continue to work in extremely challenging circumstances.”