King’s Coronation Medal awarded to our head of operations

Alison Clements, head of operations, patient flow and EPRR, has received a medal in recognition of her work to support NHS preparations for the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla last May.

Alison attended a medal-giving ceremony, alongside 30 NHS London colleagues, in the Robens Suite at Guy's Hospital yesterday, where our NHS regional director Caroline Clarke presented her medal. They also received a signed letter from NHS England chief executive, Amanda Pritchard. 

Alison said: “I normally stand at my desk, but I had to sit down when I read the email from Caroline Clarke. I feel very honoured to have received a Coronation Medal for the emergency preparedness part of my role, which I have done for many years at UCLH. Working in London, there are always big events happening that could impact on health, and thus our hospital services. We must be prepared for any potential emergency, and it is the role of Emergency Preparedness Resilience and Response (EPRR) to ensure we have plans in place. I have a great EPRR Team working with me, so this recognition is for them too.” 

Vanessa Sweeney, chief nurse, said: “I am immensely proud to see Alison receive this recognition for her outstanding work. At UCLH, Alison is one of the key driving forces behind our resilience as an organisation and this award shows that her diligence and dedication is valued beyond also.” 

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport stated the medal is a gift from the nation to commemorate the Coronation for the people who helped make the service happen. 

Approximately 400,000 frontline and emergency workers were selected to receive the medal, including frontline members of the police, fire, ambulance workers, prison services and armed forces with five years of full service. 

The tradition of Coronation Medals dates to the reign of King James I, when the first Medal was awarded in 1603.