A Filipina nurse has been awarded a British Empire Medal for her exemplary work in serving patients and supporting her colleagues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minnie Klepacz from the Royal Bournemouth Hospital felt “truly humbled” to be recognized for exceptional service to the United Kingdom as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honors.
According to the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), many honors for 2020 are given to recognize excellent contributions during the pandemic.
“What an incredibly proud day for Team (University Hospitals Dorset) – our brilliant matron Minnie has been recognized in the Queen’s Birthday Honors list and awarded a British Empire Medal,” the UHD National Health Service Foundation Trust announced on Saturday.
The UHD said that Klepacz led the hospital’s Black Asian Minority Ethnic Network at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. She also established a well-being hub for her staff to relax.
While serving at the hospital, the Filipina nurse also gave exceptional support for the Filipino community outside of her work. She cooked meals for her colleagues who were recovering from the COVID-19, helped others move house, and organized virtual community events to offer comfort.
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Filipina nurse receives British Empire Medal in UK
“I never thought in my wildest dreams that I’d get an award. I feel so privileged and honored,” she said.
“When I saw an email from the Cabinet Office, I was so worried, and thought I’d done something wrong. I plucked up the courage to read it again and responded, asking if it was a spam email because I just couldn’t believe it. They told me it was true and then rang me to reassure me, I couldn’t believe it,” Klepacz added.
The Filipina nurse arrived in the UK as a teenager and worked in the hospital for 19 years.
“COVID was really challenging, and most hospital staff affected by it came from a BAME background,” she said.
Klepacz said she would send her medal to her family in the Philippines.
“Growing up, my mom always used to display all our awards prominently in the lounge as she was so proud of us all. As I can’t visit my family right now, it’s only right that they have my medal,” she said.