AN Airedale Hospital nurse says she is "incredibly proud" to be awarded a prestigious title.
Tracey Hellawell has been made a Queen's Nurse, in recognition of her "commitment to high standards of practice and patient-centred care".
She is the fourth nurse from Airedale Hospital to be given the accolade, by the Queen’s Nursing Institute.
Tracey, a heart failure nurse specialist, will officially receive the honour in a virtual ceremony on Monday, December 13.
"I am incredibly proud to be receiving the Queen’s Nurse title," said Tracey, who was born in Keighley and lives at Steeton.
"It recognises the work that goes into heart failure care and management, which is something I am truly passionate about.
"I am so grateful to be able to call myself a Queen’s Nurse, alongside my fellow Queen’s Nurse colleagues.
"Hopefully this will inspire the next generation of nurses to want to work within the community to help individuals in need of care and support along their health-related journey."
Tracey began her career at Airedale Hospital as a student nurse in 1985.
She worked her way up to become a senior staff nurse in 1990, a senior sister in 1998 and cardiology lead two years later.
In 2006, she joined the former Bradford and Airedale Primary Care Trust to set-up a heart failure nurse specialist service.
Initially the service was funded by the British Heart Foundation as a pilot scheme for three years, before being supported by the care trust.
Tracey returned to Airedale Hospital in 2013 and now works with cardiac patients in the community, supporting and educating them through lifestyle changes to manage their condition.
"I provide a guiding hand along the uncertain journey for many patients living with the unpredictable nature of heart failure," she said.
"They feel empowered to take control of their health after they have been educated about their condition.
"Patients are more confident, as they are able to focus on what they can do rather than what they can't."
Tracey's husband also works at Airedale Hospital, as a sonographer. And her daughter, who is currently in her final year studying medicine at Cambridge University, volunteered in the hospital's Emergency Department during the pandemic.
Tribute is paid to Tracey by Trudy Balderson, head of community services and Airedale's first Queen's Nurse.
"I am delighted that the Queen’s Nursing Institute has recognised Tracey’s contribution and commitment to community nursing," she said.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here