Our Deputy Chief Executive Karen Martin is looking forward to a day out with a difference at Buckingham Palace in recognition of her contribution to the NHS.

Karen will be joined by her husband Paul, who spent 43 years at UHCW, at the Queen’s Garden Party on Wednesday, May 15.

It comes after Karen, also our Chief Workforce and Information Officer, was nominated in acknowledgement of her hard work and dedication.

Karen is now on the hunt for a hat befitting of the occasion as she prepares to mingle with other distinguished guests as well as royalty.

She said: “Receiving the letter through the post gave me goosebumps.

“I’ve had to pinch myself a few times. The NHS is amazing and I love working with such caring, compassionate and considerate colleagues every day.

“We feel extremely lucky and privileged to have had such long and varied careers and this invite is the icing on the cake. We can’t wait to go.” 

Karen, who has worked for 37 years in the NHS, is currently in her second spell at UHCW, having also worked for Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. 

Paul, who retired after 43 years at UHCW, started his career as a Theatre Technician at Walsgrave Hospital and ended it as the Director of Governance at the University Hospital. 

He said: “I am extremely proud to be accompanying Karen and representing more than 80 years in the NHS between us.  

“There are so many aspects of working for UHCW that never left me: the incredible skill of the staff, the care and kindness shown to patients and relatives, the great friendships that you built up. Probably the best thing was being part of a team of people across the whole Trust who literally changed people’s lives for the better. 

“It’s been an amazing journey and both Karen and I are looking forward to extending it at the Queen’s Garden Party.”