One of the unsung heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic has won a prestigious national award thanks to her incredible commitment to patient care at the Royal Free London. 

Margaret Harris, domestic services manager at the Royal Free Hospital (RFH), took home the ‘COVID response’ gong at the NHS Parliamentary Awards at a glamorous ceremony held in Westminster today. 

Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting presented the award to Margaret at today's ceremony. 

She was nominated for the award by Hampstead MP Tulip Siddiq who praised Margaret for her dedication during one of the most challenging periods in the history of the NHS. 

Margaret and her team played a vital role throughout the pandemic in ensuring the RFH could deliver safe, effective care to patients. 

Their work has been crucial in keeping all areas of the RFH clean and ensuring there are adequate supplies of scrubs and other necessities on the wards. 

John Connolly, chief executive of the RFH, said: “When Margaret was shortlisted for the award, there was an overwhelmingly positive response from all corners of the hospital so everyone will be bowled over now she has won this award. She is a real star and so deserving of recognition. 

“The pandemic really emphasised to everyone how important the work of the domestic team is, and Margaret and her colleagues really rose to the endless challenges.. She is one of the many unsung heroes on which all NHS organisations are built and we're proud of each and every one of them." 

Tulip Siddiq said: “I would like to once again offer huge congratulations to Margaret. Her contribution to patient care during one of the most challenging periods the NHS has ever faced cannot be overstated. 

“She played a vital role in ensuring the Royal Free Hospital could deliver safe and effective care throughout the pandemic and it’s wonderful to see her recognised in this way.” 

Margaret added: “This is a huge honour, thank you to everyone for all your kind comments. I’d really like to thank all of the domestic services team as they have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic, as well as my infection prevention and control colleagues as we have worked hand in hand during the past two years.” 

Picture: Margaret with Professor Stephen Powis, national medical director for NHS England.