Speech and Language Therapy Administrator, Sarah Marzaioli, who was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s birthday honours list for her services to Speech and Language Therapy, has received her medal from the HM Lord Lieutenant for East Sussex, Mr Peter J Field at an investiture held at Hastings Town Hall.
Sarah Marzaioli has worked in Speech and Language Therapy for 36 years, and was recognised for her work to continually drive best practice, and improve efficiency in the administration of the Speech and Language Therapy service across the county.
Sarah Marzaioli BEM and HM Lord Lieutenant for East Sussex, Mr Peter J Field flanked by colleagues Abi Turners and Anitia Smith
Sarah Marzaioli BEM said: “I am thrilled to bits for this great honour. I thoroughly enjoyed the memorable ceremony at Hastings Town Hall, meeting the other recipients and the officials and being presented with my very special medal. I am pleased to think the award recognises the work of all of those “unsung heroes” of the NHS, in admin and many other support services, who ensure the front line staff can do their job. I am very much looking forward to attending the Royal Garden Party next summer where I will be able to meet other award winners.”
Anitia Smith, Consultant Speech and Language Therapist, said: “It was a wonderful experience observing Sarah receiving her medal from the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, it was so well deserved. Sarah is a true professional. She is dedicated, efficient and very knowledgeable. If anyone in our department is in doubt we ‘ask Sarah’. She has never tired of finding new ways to support our therapists to do their role as effectively and efficiently as possible. She is an inspiration on how to stay upbeat and motivated, despite the challenges that we face.”