Royal celebration for dedicated Shiju
A dedicated nurse from Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) has spoken of his profound sense of honour after meeting King Charles at a special royal reception celebrating the work of international nurses and midwives.
Shiju, NSFT’s Clinical Educator for Overseas Nurses, travelled to Buckingham Palace on 14 November – the King’s 75th birthday – and spent around 90 minutes in the main ballroom meeting peers from across the country and brushing shoulders with royalty.
During the “wonderful” reception, Shiju shook hands with King Charles and wished him a happy birthday, and also spent time chatting to the Duke of Gloucester, Dame Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England, and Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England. He also enjoyed a performance from the NHS choir.
Shiju was nominated to attend the celebration by NHS East of England in recognition of his work to successfully recruit international nurses to join NSFT, most recently from Sri Lanka.
“It was a real privilege and honour to attend the champagne reception and I was humbled to be given the opportunity,” said Shiju, who lives in the Great Yarmouth area. “It was also a great opportunity to showcase NSFT and our work to recruit international nurses into the NHS.
“Driving through the Palace gates to park my car was an experience, and the ballroom which hosted the reception was amazing. I’ve visited the Palace before as a tourist, but this was completely different and something I will always remember.
“I shook the King’s hand and wished him a happy birthday, which made him smile. I also spent time talking to Dame Ruth May and Amanda Pritchard about our overseas recruitment initiatives, which are proving successful in attracting new nurses to the NHS.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the day and being able to share some of the good work taking place at NSFT. It was also great that the King chose to celebrate his 75th birthday with NHS staff during the year the health service also marked its 75th anniversary.”
Cath Byford deputy chief executive and chief people officer of NSFT said, “We are immensely honoured that the work Shiju has done for the Trust, recruiting international nurses and supporting them to thrive in our organisation has been recognised by His Majesty The King. Recruiting inspiring people will lead to exceptional care for our services users.”