The Queen’s Nurse title is a mark of their commitment to nursing excellence and patient care and enables the holder to access a supportive professional network, developmental programmes, bursaries and learning and leadership opportunities.
Alex McGarvey and Janet Thornley have both demonstrated remarkable dedication to healthcare innovation and quality improvement.
Alex, Nurse Partner at Lea Vale Medical Group and GPN Lead for Luton, began her journey with the Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNi) in 2021 when she established a virtual coffee morning for homebound patients with complex care needs. The QNi provided valuable support, helping her shape this project to benefit patients in need.
Janet, Strategic Primary Care Nurse Lead, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, has been recognised for her work in developing the national CARE Programme.
The CARE Programme supports Primary Care colleagues to strengthen their leadership skills to establish population health projects that will improve patient health outcomes and help shape services. Originally created for General Practice Nurses, this initiative expanded nationally, improving patient health outcomes across England.
Felicity Cox, Chief Executive, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:
“I am immensely proud of the dedication and innovation demonstrated by our two nurses, Alex and Janet. Alex’s virtual coffee morning is a heart-warming example of how our healthcare professionals go above and beyond to improve the lives of those in need. Janet’s work on the CARE Programme, which expanded across the country and improved patient health outcomes, showcases the far-reaching impact of our nursing community. Their contributions reflect their commitment to patient care and we are extremely proud to have them as part of our team.”
31 October 2025
Local general practices offer more appointments than the same period last year
The number of appointments available at general practices in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has shown a further increase. Figures published by NHS England reveal…
27 October 2025
Innovative facial analysis app recognises pain in care home residents
Danecroft is a 34-bed care home in Bedford, predominantly caring for people living with dementia but also other conditions such as Parkinson’s and MS. Since…
24 October 2025
Half term clinics to offer catch-up vaccinations for children
Parents of children who are behind on any of their immunisations have been reminded that there will be an opportunity to catch up on any missed vaccinations during the half…
17 October 2025
Local care providers use digital toolkit to monitor vital signs and prevent…
A remote monitoring toolkit has demonstrated potential for empowering care staff to make data-led healthcare decisions about the people they care for. The Whzan blue box measures vital signs such…
15 October 2025
One in five eligible people has already had their flu jab
One in five people eligible for the flu immunisation in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has already had their vaccination, new figures show. It’s always a good idea to get…
9 October 2025
Robotic pets comfort Bedford care home residents with dementia
Bedford-based care home residents are reaping the benefits of robotic therapy pets. Hepworth House Residential Care Home has 15 residents and since April 2025, two residents with dementia have been…