CHAS celebrates 10 years of Diana Children’s Nurses

Since 2014, Diana Children’s Nurses (DCNs) have been employed at CHAS to build capacity in palliative care services for children.

The specialist roles were named in honour of Princess Diana and funded by the government to commemorate her life and work.

Caroline Porter, Judith Watson and Louise Essen are based in hospitals across Scotland as well as working in the community where they are needed the most.

Caroline Porter has worked in Nursing for over 35 years, and is a registered General Nurse, Children’s Nurse, and Independent Prescriber. She took up the role of DCN for the West of Scotland in 2014 has been based at the Royal Hospital for Children Glasgow ever since.

A particularly proud moment for Caroline came in 2018 when she was awarded the historic Queen's Nurse title, making her the first nurse in Scotland to hold both Diana and Queen's Nurse status.

Caroline said: "I feel privileged to do the job that I do. I learn so much from the children and families that I meet. At the heart of my role is identifying the hope that can be found, even in the worst of situations.”

Judith Watson works as part of the Children’s Services Palliative Care Team within NHS Lothian, based primarily in the neonatal unit and maternity services at the Royal Infirmary Edinburgh.. Judith has over 20 years' experience in specialist paediatric care.

Judith said: “Collaboration and partnership are key components of my work. By working closely with families, the NHS, and CHAS, I ensure that families have choices and access to the support and care they need. It is such a privilege to contribute to the wellbeing of these families and I learn so much from families and the strength they find in their darkest hours.”

Louise Esson has been a nurse for 34 years, is based in Aberdeen and covers Grampian. Louise’s job as a DCN involves working in the community, in patients’ homes and also at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital. She also delivers paediatric palliative care lectures at Robert Gordon University and often has students on placement with her.

Louise said: “The most important thing is to be able to provide choices no matter how small. To provide a sense of control when there feels like there is none. Little things can be big things and little things are always achievable. Even in the face of death there is time for joy.”

CHAS wishes DCNs a happy 10th anniversary and huge thanks for the amazing work they do.