The Queen's Institute of Community Nursing

23/06/2026

In April, Dr Barbara Stilwell was appointed the new director of the QICN’s International Community Nursing Observatory (ICNO). In this blog, Dr Stilwell outlines the importance of community nursing data, the progress made in her first three months in post, and the areas where the ICNO can make impact. Barbara also encourages community nurses to ensure their voices are heard.

Read more 👉 https://qicn.org.uk/an-observatory-for-the-future/

23/06/2026

We are delighted to welcome television presenter, actor and author George Webster to our QICN annual conference this October! 🎉

George will be in conversation with his dad Rob Webster CBE - Chief Executive for the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership.

George explains more and why you should join us! 👇

Find out more and book your place 👉 https://qicn.org.uk/news-and-events/events/qicn-annual-conference-2026/

22/06/2026

Skills for Health is seeking to understand how healthcare workers feel about AI adoption and to identify what potential education, skills and training can support effective and sustainable working practices in the future.

👉 Complete the survey to share your insights: https://eu.surveymonkey.com/r/useofAI

19/06/2026

Moving from inclusion to equity starts with the language we use. 💡

This insightful blog from Dr Rebecca Bullingham, Inclusion Health Capabilities Framework Implementation Lead at Public Health Wales, highlights why the language we use in nursing matters, and how it shapes care, outcomes, and experiences for the communities we serve.

Read more 👉 https://qicn.org.uk/from-inclusion-to-equity-why-language-matters-in-nursing/

17/06/2026

🌿 New report highlights impact of nature-based health projects

Our latest report highlights the impact of nature-based health projects, funded by National Garden Scheme, and led by community nurses across England and Wales. From community gardens to green wellbeing initiatives, these projects are helping improve health, wellbeing and social connection.

Read more👉: https://qicn.org.uk/news-and-events/news/new-report-highlights-the-impact-of-nature-based-health-projects-led-by-community-nurses/

16/06/2026

📣 Reminder: Have your say on the future of mental health care.

Share your insights with the QICN for our response on behalf of community nurses by Monday 29 June, midday.

👉 https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=EhQicrgZDkqheGb3MkfFshDJzrtjG2ZJvUUB6154IjFUOENJSkVGMTJRUzRHT1ZZS1Y1UzMwSVFYNy4u

Thank you!

📣The Department of Health and Social Care - DHSC is developing a new cross-government mental health strategy as part of the 10 Year Health Plan for England - and they’re seeking real examples of what works.

At QICN, we’ll be responding with insights from community nursing, and we encourage you to contribute.

You don’t need to answer every question, and responses are anonymous unless you choose to include your details.

🗓 Submit your input to QICN by Monday 29th June, midday.

👉 https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=EhQicrgZDkqheGb3MkfFshDJzrtjG2ZJvUUB6154IjFUOENJSkVGMTJRUzRHT1ZZS1Y1UzMwSVFYNy4u

Your experience can help ensure community nursing is at the heart of future mental health strategy.

We also encourage you to respond directly as an individual professional: https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/informing-the-mental-health-strategy-for-england

12/06/2026

👏 Congratulations to Crystal Oldman CBE on being awarded a Damehood in The King's Birthday Honours for her outstanding services to nursing.

✨ A Queen's Nurse and former Chief Executive of the QICN, Crystal has been a passionate advocate for community nursing throughout her career, helping to raise the profile of the profession and championing high-quality care for patients, families and communities.

Everyone at the QICN sends Crystal our warmest congratulations on this richly deserved honour.

Read more here 👉 : https://qicn.org.uk/news-and-events/news/former-qicn-chief-executive-dr-crystal-oldman-cbe-awarded-damehood-in-the-kings-birthday-honours/

11/06/2026

📣 We're looking ahead to South Asian Heritage Month this July!🌏

As part of QICN’s celebrations, we’d love to hear from South Asian community, primary and social care nurses who would like to share their stories.

We welcome submissions in a variety of formats, including short blogs, quotes or videos, highlighting your experiences, perspectives and achievements.

Your voice can help shine a light on the diversity, dedication and impact of South Asian nurses across our communities.

📩Please send your submission to: [email protected]

11/06/2026

We have co-signed a letter to the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care James Murray urging the government to pause the NHS Workforce plan and engage with frontline professionals. 🖊️

Community nursing expertise must be reflected; without it, the plan will lack credibility and be undeliverable. Any revision must be grounded in workforce capacity and backed by a clear, robust implementation strategy.

Read more 👉 https://www.rcn.org.uk/magazines/News/UK-RCN-urges-government-to-pause-NHS-workforce-plan-over-staff-shortages-and-AI-110626

Upcoming 10-year plan in England fails to address persistent staffing decline, unsafe conditions and rising patient demand

11/06/2026

🔑 Behind locked doors, community nursing is changing lives.

Our latest blog, by Fiona Rogers QN, highlights the vital role of health and justice nursing at HMP Styal, where an innovative gardening project, led by Emma Beniston, is helping women improve their wellbeing, build confidence and find hope for the future. 🌱💚

The project is part of an Elsie Wagg Innovation Scholarship, funded by the National Garden Scheme, and demonstrates how nursing leadership and innovation can create meaningful change for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Read more here 👉 : https://qicn.org.uk/a-little-sunshine-a-lot-of-hope-ew-scholarship-project-visit-to-styal-prison/