A LONG-SERVING Bury nurse has received a “royal” title in recognition of her dedication to care.

Lesley Royle-Pryor, who works for the NHS Bury Clinical Commissioning Group as a lead practice nurse, has been given the prestigious Queen’s Nurse award for her high standards of patient care, learning and leadership.

She has worked in the NHS for more than 30 years in a number of roles, and in addition to working in Bury, she is a nurse at Dr Kumar's GP Practice in Bromley Cross, Bolton, and recently took up a clinical role at a GP practice in Salford.

As part of her role in Bury, she supports nurses working in general practices to help make improvements and drive up standards.

Mrs Royle-Pryor’s application for the award from the Queen’s Nursing Institute was supported by testimonials from staff in the NHS as well as patients she cares for at the practice in Bromley Cross.

She said: “I feel honoured and privileged to be given the title of Queen’s Nurse.

“I am passionate about providing high-quality compassionate care, improving patients’ experiences and supporting other nurses working within general practice to excel.

“Nurses play a vital role in the care provided by GP practices and I know there are so many nurses out there who are equally committed to the values of the Queen’s Nurse title.

“I would encourage them to consider applying for the award next year.”

Mrs Royle-Pryor, from Worsley, received her award from Jane Cummings, the chief nursing officer for England during a ceremony at London's Millennium Hotel last month, and was one of 65 nurses to receive the award.

Catherine Jackson, executive board nurse for Bury CCG said: “I am thrilled that Lesley has been acknowledged through this prestigious award.

“Her commitment to community nursing, the delivery of excellent patient care and to learning and leadership in nursing is unswerving.

“This is an award she is absolutely worthy of and I hope that it will help to raise the profile of the important role of nurses who work in general practice locally.”