Ayrshire care worker thought King's birthday honour was 'practical joke'

A spiritual care worker at NHS Ayrshire & Arran thought someone was having a joke at her expense - when she discovered she’d been included in the King’s Birthday Honours List for 2024.

But Susan Robertson had the last laugh when her boss told her the award nomination was absolutely genuine.

And the hardest task for the spiritual care administrator was to then keep 'mum' about her British Empire medal for a whole month.

Susan was awarded an Order of the British Empire Medal (BEM), announced as part of the King’s Birthday Honours List 2024.

The BEM acknowledges Susan’s work as a member of the Spiritual Care Team at NHS Ayrshire & Arran- as well as her contribution as a volunteer trustee and Community Administrator at the Catrine Games Hall.

The Spiritual Care Team offers a confidential support and care service for patients, relatives, visitors and staff, including religious and non-religious spiritual support and bereavement guidance.

Reacting to the news, Susan said: “I was totally unaware that my name had been put forward for the award and was in shock when I received a letter from the Cabinet Office. At first I thought it was a joke and then messaged Andy Gillies (Head of Spiritual Care, Staff Care and Person-Centred Care) who confirmed it was real.

“Keeping the secret for a month was the hardest part. I feel very honoured and proud that I was picked to receive the British Empire Medal. I am privileged to be working in such a great team and I am thankful to them all.”

Congratulating Susan, NHS Ayrshire & Arran Head of Spiritual Care, Staff Care and Person-Centred Care, Andy Gillies, said: “Susan being recognised by the King for her volunteer roles and many years of person-centred care work in healthcare chaplaincy is truly worth celebrating. Part of her gift is seeing the best in others, and it is fitting that this time around the best in her has been seen. Well done, Susan.”

Read next:

• Ayrshire vet saved from closure at last minute

• Iconic Fanny by Gaslight pub closes suddenly leaving punters devastated

• Multi-million pound housing plan for outskirts of Ayr given green light

• Proposals for exclusive wedding party accommodation option at well-known Ayrshire hotel are rejected

• Plans lodged for new £4m McDonald’s and upgrades to Stevenston Retail Park

Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter