A Filipino nurse based in England has been recognized by Queen Elizabeth II and was awarded by the British Empire Medal, the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust announced on October 10.
The award was in recognition of Minnie Klepacz for the support she has offered to her colleagues and community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Filipina, who works at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, was among the 414 names recognized in The Queen’s 2020 birthday honors list.
Klepacz spearheaded the hospital’s Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic network. She has been helping in providing risk assistance for the staff of the hospital.
She also extended help to the Filipino community by cooking meals for colleagues recovering after being in intensive care, helping others move to a new house and organizing virtual community events to offer comfort.
She has been working in England since 2001.
“I’m going to send my medal home to the Philippines. Growing up, my mum always used to display all our awards prominently in the lounge as she was so proud of us all. As I can’t visit my family right now, it’s only right they have my medal,” she told UHD.
