The Queen's Institute of Community Nursing

21/08/2026

We can't wait to hear from Hannah Rahmani Head of Nursing at Primary Care 24 at our QICN annual conference this October! 🎉

Hannah will be joining our panel discussion on Reducing Health Inequalities, exploring how services across different geographical areas and care settings are addressing health inequalities in practice.

There's still time to book your place at our early-bird rate (until 31st August) 👉 https://qicn.org.uk/news-and-events/events/qicn-annual-conference-2026/

20/08/2026

📢 Are you a Queen's Nurse and a Nurse Leader with Board or Executive level influence? Thinking about taking the next step in your leadership journey?

📍 We're delighted to share that applications for the QICN Leading Strategically Programme will open on Monday 7th September.

Now is the perfect time to start preparing your application and considering how this unique programme could support your development as a community nursing leader.

Our Leading Strategically programme offers an opportunity to develop strategic leadership skills, build meaningful connections with peers, and gain the confidence to influence change across health and care systems.

🔗 Find out more and get ready to apply: https://qicn.org.uk/explore-qicn/leadership-programmes/leading-strategically/

With many thanks to the National Garden Scheme for funding spaces for 12 Queen's Nurses to undertake this programme.

We welcome applicants who meet the criteria but are not Queen's Nurses and have secured funds to support their place on the programme.

📸 Our 2025-2026 cohort celebrating completion of the programme! 🎊

17/08/2026

🏆 Nominations are now open!

Do you know an internationally trained community nurse who goes above and beyond to make a difference for patients, families and communities?

Now is your chance to recognise their outstanding contribution by nominating them for the International Community Nurse of the Year Award.

This award celebrates the dedication, compassion and impact of internationally educated nurses working across community healthcare settings.

✨ Line managers, nominate a colleague today and help shine a spotlight on the incredible work they do.

Submit your nomination here 👉 https://qicn.org.uk/explore-qicn/awards/international-community-nurse-award/

📸2025 Winner Safia Seini with Karen Bonner MBE at the QICN Annual Awards Ceremony.

13/08/2026

📢 The conversation about protecting the title ‘nurse’ is happening now, and your voice matters.

The DHSC consultation presents an important opportunity to influence how the professional title ‘nurse’ is used and protected in the future.

We'd like to understand the views of our community and encourage you to:

✔ Complete the QICN's short feedback form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/0an6ndeaGL

✔ Submit a response directly to the DHSC consultation: https://consultations.dhsc.gov.uk/using-the-professional-title-nurse

07/08/2026

📢 We're proud to launch the Faculty of Homeless and Inclusion Health as we aim to improve outcomes for those affected by homelessness and others who experience barriers to accessing healthcare, and support nurses working in this sector.

The launch comes at a pivotal time as Prime Minister Andy Burnham announces his commitment to ending rough sleeping in the UK.

Homelessness is more than a housing issue. It is closely intertwined with health and wellbeing, and improving outcomes in both areas requires collaboration across health, care, housing and the voluntary sector.

Our new Faculty will set Advanced Level Standards for Inclusion Health Nursing, connect nurses working in this field to share best practice and influence workforce development, and raise the profile of homeless and inclusion health nurses.

Thank you to Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for partnering with the QICN on the Faculty launch event and for delivering specialised care to marginalised groups. 🙏

Read more 👉 https://qicn.org.uk/news-and-events/news/qicn-launches-faculty-of-homeless-and-inclusion-health/

06/08/2026

⏰Have you secured your place at the QICN Annual Conference in October?

Our early-bird in-person rate ends at 23:59pm tomorrow (Friday 7th August)!

We would love for you to join us in Birmingham for a day of celebrating the community nursing profession! 🎉

Don't forget we have special ticket rates for Queen's Nurses, Organisational Members, Academic Partners and Students too!

Register here 👉 https://qicnannualconference2026.vfairs.com/en/registration-form

With gratitude to our sponsors Hallam Medical, National Garden Scheme, Liaison Group, RLDatix, and Precision Healthtech.

04/08/2026

💡Homelessness and poor mental health are often closely linked, yet access to care can remain out of reach for many.

Advanced Clinical Practitioners are helping break down barriers, bringing compassionate, accessible mental health support to some of our most vulnerable communities.

The QICN's Homeless and Inclusion Health Network Lead Kirit Sehmbi speaks to Advanced Nurse Practitioner Jonathan Reeve, who works for the Manchester Homeless Team, in our latest blog.

Read more 👉 https://qicn.org.uk/bridging-the-gap-how-acps-enhance-access-to-mental-health-care/

31/07/2026

QICN colleagues had the privilege of visiting Shalford House last week for a special opening ahead of the National Garden Scheme centenary celebrations.

We were blown away by this stunning garden! It is one of many gardens open for the National Garden Scheme this weekend.

Find a garden open near you 👉https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/

📷️Shalford House, West Sussex

Garden designer and plantsman’s garden set in 40 acres with 10 acres of well maintained gardens created over the past 30 years under new ownership for the past 6 years. Featuring various herbaceous borders, ponds, a waterfall lake, and a 120 metre rill.

Open for the National Garden Scheme on Sunday 2nd August, pre-booking essential👇️
https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/19184/shalford-house

30/07/2026

The QICN welcomes the Department of Health and Social Care - DHSC’s call for evidence on protecting the professional title “nurse”, marking an important step forward in the long-running campaign.

The QICN has previously supported efforts to secure legal protection for the title, recognising the vital role this plays in safeguarding public trust, professional standards and patient safety.

For community nurses, protected title legislation would help ensure that patients and families can be confident that those using the title “nurse” have the appropriate qualifications, registration and expertise to deliver care.

We encourage community nurses to engage with the call for evidence and share their views.

Find out more 👉 https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/using-the-professional-title-nurse/using-the-professional-title-nurse-call-for-evidence-document

Respond to call for evidence👉 https://consultations.dhsc.gov.uk/using-the-professional-title-nurse

Patients should never have to question whether someone calling themselves a nurse is properly qualified to provide them with treatment.

As part of our crackdown on fake 'nurses', we're launching a call for evidence today on the professions and roles for whom the title of nurse should be protected.

We want to hear your views: https://brnw.ch/21x4xRe