Photo from rbch.nhs.uk
Hindi makapaniwala si Minnie Klepacz, isang UK-based Filipina nurse, na isa siya sa mga ginawaran ng British Empire Medal para sa kanyang natatanging serbisyo sa gitna ng COVID-19 pandemic.
"When I saw an email from the Cabinet Office, I was so worried and thought I’d done something wrong. I plucked up the courage to read it again and responded asking if it was a spam email because I just couldn’t believe it. They told me it was true and then rang me to reassure me, I couldn’t believe it," kwento ni Klepacz.
Isa si Klepacz sa 414 awardees na kinilala bilang bayani sa gitna ng COVID crisis mula sa Queen's 2020 birthday honours list. Inanunsyo ng University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust ang pagkilala kay Klepacz, isang matron for ophthalmology sa Royal Bournemouth Hospital.
"What an incredibly proud day for Team UHD (University Hospitals Dorset) -- our brilliant matron Minnie has been recognized in the Queen's birthday honors list and awarded a British Empire Medal. Minnie was honored for her tireless work to support her colleagues and community during Covid-19, and said she feels 'truly humbled' to be recognized," anunsyo ng UHD National Health Service Foundation noong Sabado.
Pinamumunuan ni Klepacz ang Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic network ng ospital, na siyang nagbibigay ng risk assistance para sa kaniyang staff. Bumuo rin umano si Klepacz ng hub kung saan maaaring magpahinga ang staff, lalo na ngayong grabe ang demand ng kanilang trabaho at lubhang nakakapagod.
Bukod sa kaniyang trabaho sa ospital, tumutulong rin si Klepacz sa Filipino community doon sa pamamagitan ng pagluluto para sa mga katrabahong nagre-recover mula sa intensive care, pagtulong sa kanilang maglipat-bahay, at pago-organize ng virtual community events para suportahan at i-comfort ang isa't-isa sa gitna ng pandemya.
19 years nang nurse si Klepacz sa Royal Bournemouth Hospital, kung saan nagsimula siyang magtrabaho mula pa noong 2002. Nag-emigrate si Klepacz sa UK mula sa Manila noong 17 taong gulang pa lamang siya. Kuwento ni Klepacz, nahirapan siyang mag-adjust noong una dahil wala pa siyang experience noon sa pagtatrabaho sa ospital. Unang trabaho niya iyon. "I felt quite lonely to begin with. It was a complete culture shock. Other people already had family here or had already worked in a hospital and I hadn't - this was my first job and on top of that I was adapting to a new country and language. I was having to make decisions by myself, without my family to help."
Para kay Klepacz, alay niya pa rin ang parangal sa kaniyang mga katrabaho at sa kaniyang pamilya sa Pilipinas. “This award is not just for me, it’s for everyone who works here and goes above and beyond. As a Filipino, I’d also like to share this award with all staff from a BAME background. I’m truly humbled to work with amazing colleagues. They inspire me and give me confidence," ani Klepacz.
Ipapadala rin daw niya ang medalya niya sa kaniyang pamilya sa Pilipinas.
"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," kuwento ni Minnie sa UHD.