Former QICN chief and Wales CNO among nurses recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

A former Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN) chief executive and the chief nursing officer (CNO) for Wales have been recognised in the King’s 2026 Birthday Honours along with several other nurses.

Dr Crystal Oldman, who was QICN’s chief executive from 2012 to 2025, has been awarded a Damehood in recognition of her ‘outstanding services to nursing’.

Sue Tranka, who has been CNO in Wales since August 2021, has also been awarded a Damehood for her services to nursing.

Others recognised and awarded in this year’s list include Professor Jamie Waterall, deputy chief public health nurse for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Rachel Anne Hollis, a former chair of the Professional Nursing Committee, Royal College of Nursing (RCN), Dr Karen Whittaker, Institute of Health Visiting (iHV) senior lead for education and workforce and Leanne Howlett, specialist perinatal mental health nurse at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Oldman has been a leading advocate for the nursing profession, highlighting the ‘vital role of community nursing’ within the health and care system throughout her career.

During her time at the QICN, she expanded support for community nurses and developed innovative programmes and networks.

According to the organisation, she led the QICN through a ‘period of significant growth and transformation’ as well as ‘ensuring that the voice of community nursing was represented at the highest levels of policy and practice’.

Congratulating Dr Oldman, QICN’s chief executive Steph Lawrence said: ‘Throughout her distinguished career, Crystal has been a passionate advocate for community nursing and a tireless champion for patients, families and communities.

‘During her time as chief executive of the QICN, she provided inspirational leadership, helping to raise the profile of community nursing nationally and ensuring that the contribution of community nurses was recognised and valued across health and care.

‘Crystal’s vision, commitment and influence have had a lasting impact on the nursing profession and on the countless people who benefit from high-quality care delivered in homes and communities.

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‘This honour is a fitting recognition of her outstanding service to nursing and healthcare.

‘On behalf of everyone at the QICN, I offer Crystal our warmest congratulations on this richly deserved achievement.’

Chief nursing officer (CNO) Duncan Burton also congratulated Dr Oldman, saying it is ‘a fitting recognition for a remarkable career’.

Ms Tranka said she was ‘deeply honoured’ to receive a Damehood.

She said: ‘I share this honour with every nurse, midwife and professional healthcare worker across Wales.

‘I share this honour with all nurses, midwives and healthcare professionals across Wales.’

Speaking about Ms Tranka, Mr Burton added: ‘A truly well-deserved honour Sue, recognising your commitment to patients and our profession.’

Professor Waterall was also recognised for his services to public health nursing.

He said he was ‘deeply honoured’ to receive an OBE, writing on social media that it was both ‘humbling and a source of great pride’.

‘I see this recognition as a tribute not only to my own career, but to the exceptional contribution nurses and midwives make every day,’ he said.

‘Nursing has given me the privilege of working across health and care, with people and communities from all walks of life.

‘Nurses and midwives are trusted, skilled and compassionate professionals whose reach into communities is vital in helping people stay well, live well and thrive.’

Ms Hollis, who is also an honorary nurse advisor for Children’s Cancer Care at The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, was awarded an OBE and recognised for services to nursing.

Responding to the King’s Birthday Honours, RCN President Bejoy Sebastian, said: ‘Congratulations to all those in the nursing community who have been recognised today.

‘Several nursing leaders, including those with strong ties to the RCN, have been recognised with awards in the King’s Birthday Honours, highlighting the vital contribution nursing makes to patient care and the wider health system.

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‘Their achievement, along with all those in nursing who have been honoured, demonstrates how highly valued nursing is and they all should be enormously proud.

‘Nursing is an incredible and rewarding profession and you are an inspiration to the nursing staff of today and tomorrow.

‘Your shining example shows the difference we can make and represents the very best of the profession.’

Dr Whittaker, awarded an MBE, and Ms Howlett, awarded a BEM, were also recognised for services to health visiting.

Writing about the recognition, Dr Whittaker: ‘I feel fortunate to have had a career that has given me so many rich experiences.

‘Few other roles allow you the privilege to enter people’s private worlds, hear about their lives and aspirations.

‘Health visiting has given that to me, and I owe this award to that privilege.’

Both were recognised by iHVs chief executive Alison Morton who said she was ‘delighted and thrilled’ by the awards.

‘Over a distinguished career spanning almost four decades, Karen has played a pivotal role in shaping health visiting across the UK and beyond.

‘Her leadership has influenced national policy, strengthened education and professional standards, and advanced the evidence base through her research and academic work.

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‘I’m delighted to see Leanne recognised nationally for her outstanding commitment to supporting families affected by perinatal mental illness and the health visiting services that support them.

‘Through her work with the Institute of Health Visiting and other national partners, Leanne has brought vital lived experience into training, policy and practice – helping to improve care and challenge stigma.

‘Leanne has also been a powerful and courageous voice for change, and her dedication over many years has made a real and lasting difference to families and services alike.’

Many other nurses were also recognised, including Dr Hilda Hayo, chief admiral nurse and chief executive of Dementia UK who was awarded an OBE for services to people affected by dementia.

Corinne Ann Galletly, the former Macmillan Team Lead was awarded an MBE and recognised for services to nurse-led cancer services in Moray and Dr Diane Victoria Laverty, the former Macmillan nurse consultant in palliative and end of life care, who was recognised for services to palliative care nursing was also given an MBE.