Media Release
Date: 23 November 2023
Royal reception for RUH staff
Two members of staff from the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust were amongst those who had the opportunity to meet King Charles III last week at a reception held at Buckingham Palace.
Mark Doblas, Lead Clinical Practice Facilitator for International Nursing, and Sarang Thacker, a midwife, were among 400 nurses and midwives to join The King as he celebrated his 75th birthday, along with the 75th birthday of the NHS.
The event celebrated the contribution of international nurses and midwives working in the NHS over the decades.
Mark said: "It was surreal to get the invitation and I got more and more excited leading up to the event. I came to this country five years ago and have worked in the RUH ever since. Shaking hands with The King fulfilled a childhood dream and will be forever stored in my memory.
"I can't believe I have been given this opportunity. It is a recognition for the hard work we do to support our new nurses and midwives and the NHS and I couldn't be any prouder to represent the RUH at Buckingham Palace.
"I had the chance to wish The King a happy birthday and tell him I am from the Philippines and now live in Bath. Now, I have another dream, which is to live to see the 100th year of the NHS and perhaps another Filipino Chief Nurse."
Sarang said: "It was wonderful to see The King acknowledging the care and contribution that colleagues bring to the NHS and the country as a whole.
"He seemed so very kind and patient. Shaking so many hands, while looking genuinely interested. He thanked so many people for what we do.
Toni Lynch, RUH Chief Nurse, said: "I'm so pleased that Mark and Sarang were given this incredible opportunity. "The NHS has always been somewhere where patients have benefited from the expertise, commitment and compassion of staff from around the world.
"Our international nurses and midwives play a vital role and make such a difference to our staff and patients. We are so grateful for the enormous contribution they make across the RUH every day."
ENDS