NI Health: Palace invite to meet the King left me speechless
- Published
Jonah Atos thought her manager was joking when she was told about the invite to Buckingham Palace
When Jonah Atos arrived in Northern Ireland from the Philippines more than two decades ago to begin her nursing career little did she know her journey would one day lead her to Buckingham Palace.
Jonah was the first internationally educated nurse to join the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) in 2002.
She is now an international nurse coordinator based at Altnagelvin Hospital near Londonderry.
On Tuesday she represented Northern Ireland at a meeting with King Charles at a special reception held in London.
The reception 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.
Speaking to the BBC's North West Today programme, Jonah said she was shocked when she initially received the invitation.
"When my manager told me, I thought she was joking, " she said.
"I was speechless - I could not believe it."
Filipino heritage
Jonah travelled with fellow international colleagues to the event and wanted to represent her Filipino heritage when meeting royalty.
"I chose a traditional Filipino dress as I really want to show my culture and heritage.
Colleagues from the Trust accompanied Jonah to the palace
"It was amazing to stand with my colleagues outside Buckingham Palace."
Tuesday also marked the King's 75th birthday and the reception concluded with a surprise birthday song performed by the NHS choir.
'Heart-warming'
For Jonah, she said she felt privileged to have a conversation with King Charles and tell him about her work.
"I did my curtsey," she said. "I had been practicing and then I shook his hand.
Jonah Atos is an international nurse co-ordinator with the Western Trust
"He was really interested in my work and his appreciation for the internationally educated nurses and midwives was really special.
"The King said the health service in the UK is so thankful for our contributions.
"It was so wonderful for us to be recognised at Buckingham Palace.
"It was really heart-warming seeing people celebrating their heritage along with diversity and inclusion in the health sector."
Northern Ireland's deputy chief nursing officer, Mary Frances McManus, who also attended the reception, said it was an important event.
"The internationally educated nurses working across our HSC system provide an immensely valuable contribution to our communities and to the delivery of health and social care services.
"I am delighted that my nursing colleagues have been honoured and recognised for the compassion and kindness they show to the people they care for each and every day."
The interview with Jonah can be heard on BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme from 08:30 GMT.