The title is not an award for past service but indicates a commitment to high standards of patient care, learning and leadership.
Nurses who hold the title benefit from developmental workshops, bursaries, networking opportunities, and a shared professional identity.
Aileen Anonuevo, Greta Barnard, Lynnette Chaplin, Simone Mingay, Amal Missa, Kelly Rimmer, and Nazimah Shipkolye are now Queen's Nurses.
Aileen Anonuevo, Urgent Community Response Nurse Practitioner, is based at the East Ham Care Centre in Newham. She joined the NHS as a nurse in 2000 before joining ELFT in 2004. She previously trained as a midwife and nurse in the Philippines.
She said: "Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in many capacities - from palliative care to urgent response. I’ve supported families in crisis, responded to life-threatening emergencies in people’s homes, and worked tirelessly to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions. At every stage, I have strived to deliver care that is compassionate, dignified, and centred on each patient’s unique needs.
Being recognised as a Queen’s Nurse is a profound honour - not just for me, but for every patient, colleague, and mentor who has shaped my 25-year journey in the NHS. It would symbolise resilience, growth, and unwavering dedication to community care."
Greta Barnard, Continuing Care Nurse Specialist, is based at Appleby Health Centre in Newham. She began her career as a neonatal nurse in
2013 before moving into children's hospice care in 2014, working as a Palliative Care Nurse for seven years. She joined the Continuing Care Team in 2021.
Greta said: "Nursing, to me, goes beyond the boundaries of a typical job; it embodies an immense passion and an enduring way of life. This sentiment is echoed by Florence Nightingale who expressed that 'nursing is an art'. It is a true honour to hold the title of a Queens Nurse and be part of this amazing community of nurses who have a true passion to make positive changes to such a rewarding profession."
Lynette Chaplin, Community Matron, is based at Bedfordshire Community Health Service (BCHS).
Lynette said: "Becoming a Queen’s Nurse is a profound honour and a privilege that reflects my dedication to excellence, education and leadership in Community nursing. It’s about using my skills and knowledge as a Community Matron and Medical Educator, not only to provide compassionate care but also to educate and empower others. I take great pride in supporting Care/Nursing homes across BCHS through tailored training and facilitation, helping staff build confidence and competence to deliver outstanding care. For me, it’s about making a real, lasting difference - one conversation, one workshop, one life at a time."
Simone Mingay, Specialist Healthcare Team Manager, is based at Twinwoods in Bedfordshire. She has worked as a nurse for 27 years, and been with the Trust since 2020 from her first role as Lead Liaison Learning Disability Nurse at Bedford Hospital. She moved onto a secondment as a 
Lead Nurse in Health Equalities before becoming a manager.
Before ELFT, Simone used her skills at CQC as an inspector and a Quality Improvement manager in a local learning disabilities service.
She said: "Becoming a Queen’s Nurse is not just a title - it’s a commitment to uphold the highest standards of care, to champion compassion and innovation, and to carry forward a proud tradition of nursing excellence that puts people at the heart of everything we do. I am thrilled to have been awarded this opportunity."
Amal Missa, Tissue Viability Nurse and Pressure Ulcer Improvement Facilitator, is based at the Tissue Viability Nurse Service in Newham. She has worked as a District Nurse, been a Darzi Fellow in Clinical Leadership, and a Lead for Quality Improvement (QI) projects on reducing pressure ulcers. Amal has worked for the Trust since 2014.
She said: "Through my nursing career, I have always been passionate about delivering the highest standard of patient care, supporting colleagues, and driving quality improvements in the community. Being awarded the title of Queen’s Nurse is a true honour - it has made me feel truly valued and appreciated, recognising not only my own journey and hard work but also the collective efforts of the teams I have worked alongside.
I feel proud of this achievement and grateful for the encouragement and inspiration I’ve received throughout my career, and this recognition motivates me even more to continue making a positive difference every day."