Meet Emma Senyard, OBE
Emma Senyard, from South Woodford, first joined The Royal London Hospital in 1999. Although Emma started as a nurse in general medicine and surgery after training in Edinburgh, she was captivated by neurosurgery and intensive care. For the majority of her career, Emma has cared for some of the sickest people in our hospitals and their families.
“Many of the patients that come to intensive care are not awake so you tend to build very close relationships with their families,” said Emma. “This brings a different perspective to the nursing role as you meet people who are thrown into the middle of an incredibly difficult situation without any notice. So you’re not just there for the incredibly sick patient, you’re there for their wider network of family and friends too.”
This experience was called upon on 4 June 2017 – the morning after the terrorist attack on London Bridge. Emma first heard about the incident when her alarm went off at 6am. Emma was due to work later that day on a planned shift, but raced straight into The Royal London where six patients had been taken to the intensive care unit.
“We see major trauma every day at the Royal London, but this was particularly difficult for the patients’ families and our team due to the high profile and nature of the incident.”
Emma exudes compassion, and this was particularly evident in the aftermath of the attack. She made sure that families had clothes to change into, and people were able to contact their families abroad to keep them updated. A true romantic at heart, she also brought a couple onto the same ward so they could be together.
“The London Bridge attack was a difficult time for my team and I arranged daily support from our psychologist and counsellor to help us move forward. In times like this, London really pulls together and although the circumstances weren’t ideal, the support we received from Londoners, gifts from the community, and a very special visit from HRH Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, was really appreciated.
“As an associate director of nursing, looking after the wellbeing of my team is one of my biggest priorities. The success of any team relies upon everyone feeling supported, respected and motivated so a lot of my time is spent looking after the safety, career development and general wellbeing of the nurses who give their all to our patients. I am incredibly proud of my team – it is a joy to work with a group of individuals who show so much incredible resilience and compassion on a daily basis.”
On being awarded an Order of the British Empire, Emma was overwhelmed with pride. “I couldn’t believe it! I had to read the letter a number of times to make sure it was genuine. I am filled with an enormous sense of gratitude to be recognised for doing what I love every day.
“It’s also with a twinge of sadness that I couldn’t pick up the phone and tell my mum and dad. They would have been so proud.”
Emma was awarded an Officer of the British Empire on 29 December 2018.