An NHS staff member has been recognised for her dedication and compassionate leadership throughout her career, which spans over four decades.
Antoinette Parr, General Manager, Medical Illustration and Clinical Physics for NHSGGC, was made a Member of the British Empire for services to NHS Scotland, Motherwell Diocese, the Scout Movement and St Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church in her hometown of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire.
On finding out about the award back in July, Antoinette said: “Receiving an MBE is incredibly humbling. I couldn’t believe it when I received the letter from the Cabinet Office telling me of the award. I was so excited but couldn’t tell anybody; I was sworn to secrecy for five weeks!”
“The reaction from family, friends, colleagues and my local community was wonderful and overwhelming. It brought real joy to everyone and smiles all around. For someone who likes to stay in the background, suddenly, I was in the foreground.
“I love doing what I do, and I don’t do it alone. I am surrounded by great, like-minded people, all focused on the same thing, helping to achieve so much. I have worked in the NHS for 42 years, and I have loved every minute of my time working alongside excellent colleagues who support patient care.”
In November, she received her award in person from Prince William at Windsor.
“It was the most wonderful day, incredibly special,” she said. “Prince William presented it to me with my family standing close by. We had a lovely conversation covering all parts of the reason for the award. He was genuinely interested in what I did and gave me all the time I needed to tell my story.
“He wanted to know about all the aspects of volunteering and how I fit everything in while doing a busy job. I said that it brings me great joy, especially working with young people, and when you have joy in your heart, you have the energy to do whatever you need to do. I said, “Volunteering is not a chore; it is a joy”.
“He said the Cubs will be excited to see the MBE and hold it. I agreed they certainly were, but with “grubby Cubby hands” maybe I’ll not let them hold it! He laughed out loud and even gave me a solution.
“I still cannot stop smiling and sometimes cannot believe I received this award. I am doing everything I love, and in doing what I do, the rewards and blessings are marvellous.
“I see it in the Cub Scout who punches the air when he has managed to climb the highest wall, the elderly dementia lady in the nursing home whose face lights up when I arrive from the parish, and the young man who couldn’t read but after working with he now reads books with his 5-year-old. This is just to name a few.
Last week, Antoinette also received an award in this year’s North Sector Staff Excellence Awards. During the panel discussion to choose the winners, the team decided they wanted to pay a special tribute in Honour of her Compassionate Leadership.
They said the award was given “In heartfelt recognition celebrating an individual whose genuine care, kindness, and compassion have left a profound impact on everyone they encounter. This tribute acknowledges Antoinette’s ability to uplift others through her thoughtful actions, meaningful conversations, and unwavering support, creating a ripple effect of positivity across the workplace.
“Antoinette exemplifies the values of care, compassion and connection, leading by example and showing us the transformative power of even the smallest gestures of civility and kindness.
“With warmth and authenticity, she inspires us all to be better colleagues and individuals, leaving a legacy of kindness that will be remembered for years to come.”
“These awards have made me realise what people think about me”, added Antoinette. Many have taken the time to write testimonies and submit them for these awards. I am so honoured, and it means so much to me. I am full of joy, and so happy.”
