In celebration of the 78th birthday of the NHS, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosted a reception at Downing Street this week, thanking NHS colleagues for the extraordinary work they do every day to care for patients and support the health of the nation.
Soumya Sononey, Medical Devices Training Manager
Soumya Sononey our Medical Devices Training Manager, was invited to attend and here she tells us about her experience:
“I was honoured to represent our trust at the Prime Minister’s reception to celebrate the 78th anniversary of the NHS, held at 10 Downing Street. The event brought together a small number of NHS colleagues from across the UK, who had been personally invited by the Prime Minister in recognition of their contribution to the NHS.
“The reception was a wonderful celebration of the dedication, compassion and commitment of NHS colleagues. It was exceptionally well organised and provided an opportunity to reflect on what the NHS has achieved over the past 78 years and the people who continue to make it what it is today.
“One of the highlights of the evening was having the opportunity to speak with the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, on a one-to-one basis. I thanked him for recognising the extraordinary efforts of NHS colleagues across the country and for taking the time to celebrate the people who work tirelessly every day to keep our health service running.
“During our conversation, I shared what the NHS means to me, both personally and professionally. As an internationally educated healthcare professional, joining the NHS has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my career. I reflected on how the NHS has provided opportunities to grow, learn and contribute to patient care while working alongside dedicated colleagues who embody the values of compassion, teamwork and excellence every day.”
Steve Aumayer, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief People Officer, said: “Soumya’s contribution to our organisation has been exceptional. Through her leadership of the Multicultural Network, she has brought colleagues together, strengthened cultural awareness and created a deeper sense of belonging across our trust.
“Her ability to grow the network, expand the visibility of multicultural events and champion inclusion, all while balancing a demanding role in education, speaks to her dedication and her values. Soumya embodies the spirit of collaboration and compassion that defines the NHS, and her impact is felt widely across our workforce. We were both thrilled and proud to see her commitment to building a more inclusive, culturally confident and united trust being recognised as part of the celebrations for the 78th birthday of the NHS.”
Click here to see a short video from the event.