QNI launches new homeless health project
The Queen’s Nursing Institute has announced the start of a new three-year project to improve the health of people who are homeless.
The project, funded by The Monument Trust, aims to improve the health of the homeless and vulnerably housed, by professionally supporting nurses - and other health professionals - working with them.
The QNI has developed considerable expertise in this area over a number a years, since its first Homeless Health Initiative started in 2007.
The new project will help nurses and their client group through research and publications, events and workshops, and knowledge sharing among professionals.
The project will be managed by David Parker-Radford. David has a track record of developing successful projects, publications, events and networks for the voluntary sector, including work with children and young people.
David commented, ‘I’m delighted to be joining the QNI at this exciting time and helping nurses to make a real difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society. QNI has an incredible history and reputation, so it is a real honour to join the team. I want to build on the fantastic achievements of the QNI and work together with nurses who share my vision of world-class healthcare services for people who are homeless.’
Those interested to learn more about this new project should contact David directly on 020 7549 1410 or email david.parker-radford@qni.org.uk
New prize fund for District Nursing students
The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI), has announced the creation of a national educational prize scheme for District Nursing students.
The Philip Goodeve-Docker Memorial Prize, will be offered to the top performing student of the District Nursing programme in every university in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The scheme will begin operating in the current academic year, and will continue to be offered annually. One prize is available for every university delivering a Specialist Practitioner - District Nursing programme.
The new award has been created in memory of Mr Philip Goodeve-Docker, and is entirely supported by the £60,000 fund raised over the past 12 months by his family and friends.
Mr Goodeve-Docker, an events manager from London, together with two colleagues, set out to cross the Greenland Ice Sheet in April 2013. Philip had chosen to raise funds for The Queen’s Nursing Institute while undertaking this endeavour. The team set out on 26 April, but became trapped in a sudden and very severe polar storm. Tragically, shortly before rescue could arrive on the morning of 28 April, Philip passed away. His two colleagues were airlifted to safety, but suffered severe frostbite during their ordeal.
Philip's link to the QNI came originally via his Grandfather, Patrick Pirie-Gordon, who was a Trustee and Treasurer of the QNI for thirty years, and who helped the charity through some of its most difficult times. He was also Treasurer and Vice-President of the Royal Geographical Society, helping to fund polar exploration and having a glacier named after him.
Dr Crystal Oldman, the QNI’s Chief Executive said
The creation of this new award allows us to cherish and celebrate the memory of this young man who died doing what he loved, while raising funds for this charity. Due to the incredible generosity of his family and friends, we are able to do something that will really make a difference to District Nursing education, and thereby to patient care, which is what Philip set out to do. I would encourage all eligible universities to participate with us in this unique new scheme.