Hamira and Ruth earn a royal welcome

Hamira Ghafoor, a nurse from the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) team within the Surgery Directorate at the Churchill Hospital, was among over 350 nurses invited to a special event at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday 14 March 2018.

Ruth Staton, an RAF Military Nurse at the Trust, was also invited to attend.

The event, to thank those engaged in frontline nursing across the UK, was hosted by Prince Charles, who praised the 'unsung and unseen' work that nurses do. 

Hamira was nominated to attend the event by the Royal College of Nursing, in recognition of her work on equality, diversity and inclusion.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are integral in supporting staff within an organisation, and in delivering safe and excellent patient care.

Hamira's passion to do more within her Trust led her to become an Equality and Diversity Champion in 2013, and a Royal College of Nursing representative in 2015.

Hamira says:

"It has been an honour to be recognised for something that is so close to my heart, and wonderful to share the experience with so many incredible nurses in our country.

"The event was truly a celebration of the hard work and dedication of all nurses.

"I was proud to represent our Trust and the RCN."