Queen’s Nurse awards for Brighton students-turned-educators highlights university’s impact on frontline care

Two University of Brighton-trained nurses have been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Nurse title, celebrating their outstanding leadership and commitment to community nursing.

Dr Hannah Morris-Ingram and Emily Leon, both lecturers in the university’s School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences, were recognised by The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing for their dedication to delivering high-quality care and advancing clinical excellence. The accolade of Queen’s Nurse reflects their long-standing careers shaped by Brighton and their ongoing impact on frontline services.

For Dr Morris-Ingram, the award is a milestone in a career dedicated to improving community healthcare. Her passion for community nursing first emerged during her undergraduate placement at Brighton more than 20 years ago.

“It all started here at Brighton,” she said.

“I absolutely loved my first community placement, and I just knew then that’s what I wanted to do. I started here as a student nurse, and I’ve come all the way to be a lecturer here. Going on to win this award isn’t just important to me, but because of what it shows about Brighton. I think it’s important to show our graduates what’s possible – this is what you can achieve at Brighton!”

Emily Leon also sees the University of Brighton, and its Falmer campus where all nursing and health courses are taught, as central to her journey. She obtained a Diploma in Children’s Nursing from the university in 2002, and has since returned for several other qualifications including, Specialist Community Public Health Nursing, Leading Practice Education, and other professional development courses. In October 2025, she joined the university as a part-time Lecturer in Children’s Nursing.

“The University is like a second home to me,” Emily said.

“Falmer has seen me grow and develop throughout my career. It feels right to be returning to where it all began. As a lecturer with Queen’s Nurse status, I want to help students become confident, compassionate nurses who can reduce health inequalities and make a real difference.”

The double award under the hand of Queen Camila, the Patron of Queens Institute of Community Nursing, highlights the university’s sustained impact on the region’s health and care workforce, with graduates and staff contributing significantly to community services across Sussex and beyond.

Sarah Lewis-Tulett, Director of Education and Student Success at the University of Brighton, said: “I’m absolutely delighted for Hannah and Emily. This achievement reflects not only their commitment to outstanding care, but the passion and integrity they bring to work every single day. They both grew with Brighton, from their early days as undergraduate students to the educators they are now. This is what we do at Brighton – we’re not just preparing students for a career; we’re giving them the confidence and inspiration to make a genuine difference in their communities.”

Hannah and Emily formally received their titles at the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing’s annual awards ceremony on Friday, 28 November 2025 at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in London.

Find out how you can become a nurse with the University of Brighton.