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News & Media

Media Release

Date: 21 June 2017

Retired RUH Nurse Consultant Sue Brown awarded MBE

Sue Brown, a former Nurse Consultant for the Royal United Hospital (RUH) Rheumatology Service, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2017.

Sue worked at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases (RNHRD) for over 20 years – initially as a ward nurse in 1995 before her appointment as one of the first Clinical Nurse Specialists in Rheumatology in 1999. In 2012, Sue became a Nurse Consultant before, sadly, ill health led to her earlier-than-planned retirement last year.

With particular expertise in the complex conditions of Lupus and Scleroderma, Sue is well-regarded by the patient organisations Lupus UK and The Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Society. Her expertise, dedication and commitment were further rewarded when the RNHRD became a Lupus UK Centre of Excellence in 2015.

Dr Ellie Korendowych, Consultant Rheumatologist and Clinical Lead for the Rheumatology Service at the RUH said: “We are absolutely delighted that Sue has been recognised in the Queen’s Honours List with an MBE for her services to nursing. Sue was a true patient advocate and worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life of the many patients she cared for with lifelong autoimmune Connective Tissue Disorders. Sue was a hugely influential figure in the lives of her many patients who she supported and nurtured through the different stages of their illness."

“Sue is hugely missed by all the staff and patients whose lives she enhanced and the awarding of an MBE to reflect her unfaltering dedication is richly deserved.”

A leader in her field both nationally and internationally, Sue was instrumental in the development of National Standards of Care Guidelines through her work with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Arthritis Research UK and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR). Her work through British Health Professionals in Rheumatology inspired many junior nurses to have the confidence to take up Clinical Nurse Specialist positions across the country, including at the RNHRD, and provided them with the skills to continue her fantastic work.

Former patient, Jane Batchelor said: “When I was diagnosed with Lupus in the late 1990s I knew nothing about the condition. I first met with Sue Brown very early in my patient ‘journey’. This was before the days of online health information being available at the touch of a button, so I looked to clinical staff, including Sue, to answer my many questions.

“Whether meeting me for a scheduled appointment or responding to an anxious telephone call, Sue's calm, caring manner combined with her extensive knowledge of Lupus research and clinical practice meant she provided me (and countless other Lupus patients) with invaluable support and advice throughout the years, right up to the point of her retirement. I cannot think of anyone more worthy of the award of MBE.”

ENDS

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