CUH staff receive rare handwritten invitations to the Queen’s garden tea party

Pam Owen and Paula Westley, who both work as Senior Medical Records Co-ordinators in Addenbrooke’s Hospital, rubbed shoulders with the Royals on Tuesday 10 June.

Pam and Paula were told they were nominated in January but hadn’t heard any more since then. When their manager checked a few days before the garden party was due to take place, she was told their nomination had been successful and they were due to attend.

The invitations arrived on Saturday 7 June. Pam said: “When the invite was delivered, it was marked with the Lord Chamberlain stamp. The postman said he had only seen this twice in his 20-year career and they’re not even used on the birthday cards that are sent to the public. It was specially written out to us and we felt very privileged.” 

“Buckingham Palace staff were so nice; they had said if they hadn’t arrived in time they would arrange special passes at the gate for us. We were so excited but we had to quickly go shopping and find something to wear!”

For nearly 16 years Pam and Paula have carried out many roles within their department, some of which are to make sure all patient appointment letters are printed and sent out on time, also that the clinicians have patient notes available for appointments.

The two ladies were nominated by their manager Susan Wood, Head of Patient Services: “I choose Pam and Paula because I felt they constantly go above and beyond what is expected of them. They are willing to take on any task they embody our values at CUH – kind, safe and excellent.”

On the big day, they set off to London, with first class train tickets and a taxi from the station to the Palace paid for by their manager. At just after 16:00 they entered the grand hall along with all the other invitees.  Pam said: “When you walked into the great hall you felt so special as you think of how many famous people have walked through those doors, it was such an exciting moment.”

They then proceeded into the grounds where they were given an itinerary of the party and a map of the gardens.

Pam and Paula were treated to an afternoon of tea and cakes and were able to walk round the grounds with the other guests at the annual event. Paula said: “The Beefeaters lined up in the garden and that was when the Queen and Prince Phillip came out. They both looked fabulous. We didn’t get to speak to the Queen but we were able to see her. We were also lucky enough to see the Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Ann. It was such a wonderful day and we were lucky to be a part of it.”

Both have said they will frame their special invitations at home. Pam and Paula added: “We felt very proud and honoured we were chosen to represent the hospital and our department. This nomination wasn’t just for us; it was for our whole team, because we all work so hard behind the scenes in the Trust. We were just the lucky two who were able to go.”

 
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For further information, please contact:
 
Communications Department, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ

Tel: 01223 274433 Email: press@addenbrookes.nhs.uk
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