A dedicated Newham-based nurse has been named in the New Year’s Honours list 2025 in recognition of her work with children and young people (CYP).
Rebecca Daniels, who works as Community Children’s Matron in ELFT’s Specialist Children and Young People’s Service (SCYPS), is to receive a British Empire Medal (BEM). A BEM is awarded to individuals who have provided exceptional service to their community or country.
Rebecca has worked across children’s services in Newham since 2006, having led as SCYPS’ Matron since 2016 – a senior nursing position to act as an advocate for service users’ health.
In 2020, she became a Queen’s Nurse, a title given to nurses who continually go above and beyond to provide excellent patient-centred care. In this position, Rebecca co-founded a national network which connects children’s community nurses across the country to better support the needs of vulnerable children and young people. Rebecca was shocked to hear the news of the honour!
“It is an absolute honour to have been nominated and receive a BEM. When I left hospital nursing in 2006, I was ready to leave nursing completely. However, I joined the Newham Community Children's nursing team, and it completely changed my career.
“I found the most amazing job, working with incredible children, young people and their families along their health journey from birth to adulthood, but also supporting families in palliative and end-of-life care. The complexity of need continues to evolve, and our children and young people continue to require support to enable them to remain in the community, with their families and in schools with their peers.”
She added: “The role of a Community Children's Nursing (CCNs) is often hidden. However, with our CCN Network, we are able to raise the profile and ensure children and young people can continue to be cared for in community settings with the best outcomes.”
Rebecca also received the Dr Robert Dolan Leadership Award at the ELFT 2024 Staff Awards.
CEO Lorraine Sunduza OBE said, "I am so proud that the exceptional leadership and professionalism that Rebecca exemplifies has been recognised by the King's New Year's Honours list. We are fortunate to have colleagues of this calibre here in ELFT. She is inspirational. Congratulations."
Eileen Taylor, ELFT's Chair, said, "Warmest congratulations to Rebecca (and Edwin) who role model compassion, humility and keep the communities we serve at the heart of all they do."