A nursing lecturer and student from University of the West of Scotland have been celebrated at an event hosted by His Majesty the King at Buckingham Palace.

The reception, which marks both The King’s 75th birthday and the 75th anniversary of the NHS, highlights the significant contribution of international nurses and midwives within the UK’s health and social care sectors.

Semone Pollard, Lecturer in Adult Nursing and Prudence Ruhode, a Mental Health Nursing student were recognised as part of the event.

Discussing her experience, Semone said: “It was such an honour for Prudence and I to be invited to meet the King. There were 400 people in attendance eagerly awaiting to see the King, which in itself was an opportunity of a lifetime, but Prudence and I managed to shake his hand and speak to him. He asked me where in the UK I was from, and I proudly said Scotland.

It was fantastic to get the opportunity to meet other healthcare professionals from various health boards in Scotland and England. We have made new friends and are extremely grateful for the opportunity to attend such a prestigious event.

UWS nursing lecturer, Semone Pollard

The reception in Buckingham Palace was held to pay tribute to the UK’s international nursing and midwifery workforce, and to recognise the multitude of backgrounds and cultures which contribute to the health services across the four nations.

Dr Claire Chalmers, Deputy Dean of the School of Health and Life Sciences at UWS, said: “Congratulations to Semone and Prudence. Everyone from across the University is incredibly proud of them, and of all our staff and students, who are making a difference to health services across the UK. It is particularly important to highlight the vital contribution within the sector from international nurses and midwives, and fantastic to see this celebrated by the King at this special event.”