A HEALTH worker from Keighley says she is "shocked but delighted" to be recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for her services during the pandemic.

Rukeya Miah, who is deputy associate director of nursing and senior midwife at Bradford Royal Infirmary, was awarded the British Empire Medal for her contribution in the field of vaccination.

"I have known about the award for two or three weeks but wasn't allowed to tell anyone – it was very difficult keeping it a secret!" says Rukeya, 51, a mother of four.

"The onset of the pandemic and the start of the massive vaccine programme roll-out was an emotional rollercoaster for everyone involved.

"We as a team pulled together across the district to react quickly and respond to our various communities’ needs.

"One size does not fit the needs of all so we tailored the vaccine programme for our different cultures and I am very touched at being given this award – I wasn’t expecting it at all. I have just been doing my job and been busy trying to protect people."

Rukeya started her registered nurse training at Airedale Hospital in 1991, before going on to work in the intensive and coronary care unit.

After marrying and having her first child, she moved to the community for a couple of years before returning to work in Airedale Hospital’s theatres.

In 2001 she undertook further training as part of a registered midwifery degree at Bradford University, joining Bradford Teaching Hospitals as a student midwife before taking-up a midwifery post at the trust in 2004.

She became a clinical advanced practitioner and then moved to the trust’s neonatal transitional care unit as senior midwife and clinical lead for the examination of the newborn.

Rukeya progressed through her leadership 'journey', and then in the autumn of 2020 was appointed deputy associate of nursing and senior midwife for Bradford District and Craven vaccination programme.

She was also the district’s vaccines equality lead, working with local, regional and national partners.

"We brought all our skills together for the greater good of our populations and rolled-out the vaccine to save lives across the district – whilst considering local sensitivities and addressing any concerns with community leaders," she added.

Chief nurse Karen Dawber, who put Rukeya forward for the honour, said: "I'm very proud of Rukeya. This honour is well deserved and is recognition of her commitment and passion."