Blackburn nurse met King Charles III at NHS reception

John Mathew, a charge nurse at Royal Blackburn Hospital, was part of the group of internationally educated hospital staff from the region who attended the event on Tuesday, November 14.

They were being recognised by King Charles III for their contributions to the NHS, and to highlight the invaluable role the international workforce plays in the running of the NHS.

John, who was raised in Kottayam, a city in India, has worked for East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust for more than 20 years after training as a nurse in India, and now lives in Blackburn with his family.

He said the highlight for him was shaking hands with the King at the event, marking 75 years of the NHS and the King’s 75th birthday.

King Charles speaks with internationally trained NHS staff at a reception to mark 75 years of the NHS and his 75th birthday (Image: PA)

He said: “He asked me my name and where I was from.

“It was an honour to represent ELHT on behalf of the overseas nurses and I thank everyone for giving me the opportunity – it’s one I will never forget.”

James McLean, joint chief nurse at NHS England North West, said: “Our international workforce play a vital role in providing excellent and compassionate care to our patients.

The King thanks the NHS Choir after they perform at Buckingham Palace (Image: PA)

“I’m unbelievably proud of the 25 nurses who represented the North West at such a special event – congratulations to you all.

 “In the North West, we are leading the way with a number of successful international recruitment and support programmes, helping skilled and experienced clinicians train and adapt to work in the NHS and grow our workforce.”

The reception was also attended by NHS England’s chief executive Amanda Pritchard, chief nursing officer Ruth May, deputy chief nursing officer Duncan Burton, chief midwifery officer Kate Brintworth and the Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins.