A matron at the Royal Free Hospital said he is immensely proud and privileged to have been awarded a British Empire Medal for voluntary work at the late Queen’s funeral.

Peter Hollely, emergency department matron, contributes thousands of hours of voluntary work each year with St John Ambulance, providing emergency care, as well as strategy and tactical planning at public events including the funerals of Prince Philip and the late Queen, concerts in Hyde Park and other community events.

Peter, who joined the Royal Free Hospital in May, also helps provide the St John Ambulance A&E admission avoidance service in Soho during the run up to Christmas. By providing emergency care to unwell members of the public, he helps them avoid going to hospital during some of the busiest times for NHS emergency departments. 

Peter said: “I’m really proud and feel very privileged to have been given this award. I want to say thank you to all my St John’s Ambulance colleagues and my family as what we do is a real team effort and I wouldn’t have got this medal without their support.

“St John Ambulance is about giving back and helping people, which is something that is really close to my heart. I know that what I do helps hospitals because it means fewer people having to go to A&E – it’s something that I see day in and day out in my job so I know how important it is.”

Director of nursing at the Royal Free Hospital Rebecca Longmate added: “Huge congratulations to Peter, this is a very well-deserved award. We are really proud to have you as part of our nursing team - thank you for all that you do.” 

Image: Peter Hollely