British Empire Medal (BEM) awarded to NUH colleagues
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust is incredibly proud that the British Empire Medal (BEM) was recently awarded to two members of our team.
The honours were awarded to Onyinye Enwezor, Lead for International Recruitment and Pastoral Support at our Institute of Nursing and Midwifery Care Excellence, and Trish Cargill, Chair of the Patient Participation Group (PPG), which works in partnership with Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) Trust.
The ceremony took place at Caunton Manor in Nottinghamshire with the awards presented by Sir John Peace, Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire.
The British Empire Medal (BEM) is awarded for hands on, active involvement in the local community that has made a significant, positive difference to people’s lives.
Both have been powerful advocates for a considerable period of time making sure the groups they represent are heard loud and clear within our organisation, whilst not being afraid to be a critical, yet constructive voice.
Onyinye Enwezor has been a key voice within the Trust’s Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Shared Governance Council since it was formed in 2018 where she acts as an inspiring role model and clinical nurse leader. She is also a Freedom to speak up Champion at the Trust, allowing staff to speak up and raise concerns, with a track record of making sure they are heard and acted upon.
Onyinye had this to say about receiving her award:
“I am truly humbled to be honoured by Her Majesty the Queen and to receive this award from Sir John Peace. I always wanted to be a nurse and I am so thankful that my lovely parents supported me to achieve my goal.”
“A lot of factors have greatly contributed to my success, one of which is Shared Governance. It has really helped me achieve great satisfaction as a nurse because it truly empowers staff. It has not been an easy journey but it has been very rewarding. I always live by the mantra Please seize every opportunity you get to serve excellently and selflessly as you may not have a second chance. I am truly grateful to all those who have in the course of my career created these opportunities for me.”
“A big thank you to my family, friends and colleagues for the support and encouragement over the years, but above all I want to thank God for His grace and mercy.”
Onyinye Enwezor
Trish Cargill
Trish Cargill, from Cotgrave has been involved in volunteering with the Trust for almost 30 years after her son Chris was born with severe, complex needs, requiring around-the-clock care. Chris sadly died four years ago.
Trish felt she wanted to show appreciation for the compassionate care and support received from NUH staff and her involvement grew from there. She refuses to singlehandedly accept the commendation for the honour and credits everyone, from all walks of life, who come together on the PPG to improve the experiences of patients and carers.
Talking about receiving the award, Trish said:
“It was a wonderful occasion, made extra special by being able to share it with my family, I felt very proud to be receiving my Award, not only for me but for all the incredible people I have the privilege of working with everyday to help improve the experiences of patients and carers.”
Pictured - Onyinye Enwezor (third from left) and Trish Cargill (second from right)