Myleene Klass champions 'incredible work' of NHS workers as she hosts awards show

Myleene Klass took to the stage at London's iconic Oval grounds to celebrate the best in the NHS at the St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group CARE Awards

Myleene Klass was overjoyed to celebrate the accomplishments of NHS workers at the 'Oscars' of the health industry.

The 46-year-old TV star was the host of the St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group (GESH) CARE Awards in London this month. Nearly 400 NHS workers and their supporters took to the iconic Oval grounds to celebrate NHS staff that have gone above and beyond to help others.

Myleene, whose mother, Magdalena, worked as an NHS nurse was honoured to host the event which saw gongs given out for categories including Volunteer of the Year, Better Health Award, and Public Choice Award for Outstanding Care. The mum-of-three said: “Through my mum, I saw the sacrifices, compassion, the empathy and commitment that it takes to care for others. You see us at our most vulnerable, irrespective of our backgrounds. It was my absolute honour to be able to thank the devoted workers at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier in a room filled with love – never lose sight of the incredible difference you make every single day.”

Jacqueline Totterdell, Group Chief Executive of GESH, added: “I am so proud of the talent, dedication and passion that define our gesh family. This was our biggest-ever awards ceremony to value and reward our people who go above and beyond every single day.”

Consultant Midwife Martina Montagna at St George’s Hospital took home the only prize nominated by the public – receiving the Public Choice Award for Outstanding Care, for supporting a patient with a history of childhood sexual abuse through a challenging pregnancy and birth. The patient who nominated her said: “This was a massive gift and was something I didn’t think possible – it’s helped increase my ability to trust caregivers and care providers in future. I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Speaking about her involvement in the awards before taking to the stage, Myleene said: “I am the proud daughter of a Filipina NHS nurse so I know the sacrifices healthcare workers make to care for patients. It is my absolute honour to be able to thank the devoted workers at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier and I am looking forward to meeting them all in a room filled with love.”

Myleene and her mother took part in a BBC documentary in 2016 where they shared Magdalena's connection to the health service. Sharing the shocking prejudice she encountered while trying to care for others, Magdalena revealed: "Because I was a foreigner some people were reluctant to accept my help. They didn’t think I could speak English. But I’d insist on helping them."

Myleene also shared her joy at learning about her mum's past at the time. She said: "It was really special to make this show with my mum and find out how earlier generations of nurses made amazing sacrifices and overcame huge challenges to treat their patients. I really didn’t know that much about my mum’s work but having this insight has helped me understand her. You can’t help thinking nurses are the backbone of the NHS. There’s something humbling about seeing the work they do."

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