Six Frimley Health colleagues paid a visit to 10 Downing Street last week.
Silvia Marko, Emma Cheeseman, Sophia Evans Garcia, Sala Corcoran, Josie Cunningham and Brett Lee were part of a special reception to recognise their efforts at work, which included a speech from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
And Silvia also took part in a half-hour discussion with the PM.
The Emergency Department nurse, who arrived at Wexham Park Hospital from Greece in August 2020, initially thought her Downing Street invitation was a spam email. “I said ‘is this a joke’? I didn’t see why I would be nominated. But all the team encouraged me to go. And then 24 hours before we attend, I’m told I will also be talking with the PM. I was shocked.”
Silvia was a winner of the Trust’s Value into Practice Awards in January. Her ViP nomination came from a student nurse for the support she gives to help students in the team.
Within Number 10, she sat down to talk to the PM, along with three other staff members from hospitals around the country.
“I wasn’t expecting to represent the hospital, or A&E in general, it felt a big thing on my shoulders,” she said. “And I was sitting next to the Prime Minister! The press team were recording us, and I’m not used to being filmed when I speak. At first, I had trouble finding the right words. I felt I couldn’t even speak Greek, let alone English. He said there was no need to be nervous. He asked for any suggestions we could make about the health service.
“I said it was important to have good leadership, like we have at Wexham. That if you have the right structure, with good matrons and senior matrons, then when problems arise, we can adapt. Good leadership and leading by example – that’s what matters.
Silvia said the PM seemed very approachable, was keen to listen to what was said and ask further questions.
“He definitely put me at my ease. He said from what he had heard, he had things to think about and things to change.”
For Silvia, the experience was a day to remember: “Entering 10 Downing Street, going up that staircase and seeing all the pictures on the wall of former PMs, that was enough for me. It was amazing. And then, in the reception room, with all the art on the walls and the sense of history, it was breath-taking.”
Our other recognised staff
Emma Cheeseman, practice development nurse for paediatrics
Emma was nominated by Jill Thistlethwaite, head of nursing for paediatrics and neonates, for her support in developing and improving pathways for surgical services within paediatrics across the Trust.
Sophia Evans Garcia, lead pharmacist for antimicrobial
Sophia was nominated by chief pharmacist Faiza Khan for her hard work and empathy for her patients. She goes above and beyond the call of duty, has completed her diploma in clinical pharmacy and is working towards her independent prescribing qualification.
Sala Corcoran, lead pharmacist for endocrine
Sala was also nominated by Faiza Khan, in recognition of her role on the thyroid titration clinic which now looks after more than 150 patients, improving patient care and freeing up consultant capacity.
Josie Cunningham, cystic fibrosis quality improvement practitioner and pharmacist
Josie was nominated by consultant chest physician Dr Alex Higton for her dual role in the cystic fibrosis team at Frimley Park. She is described a “unflappable, diligent and kind” and takes on the trickiest challenges, often working in her own time.
Brett Lee, senior security supervisor
Brett was nominated by former chief executive (interim) Caroline Hutton for supporting the Secretary of State’s recent visit to Heatherwood Hospital, stepping in at very short notice when his manager was on leave. Brett helped to plan the visit and then personally provided discreet security throughout.