Gloucestershire Admiral Nurse Asma Pandor awarded British Empire Medal in New Year's Honours
Asma Pandor, an Admiral Nurse renowned for her dedication to dementia care at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year’s Honours for her outstanding services to nursing.
Admiral Nurses are dementia care specialists and in this vital role, Asma has made a profound and lasting impact on the lives of patients with dementia and their families.
“It goes without saying that being recognised in this way today is a great honour. I regard everything that I have achieved in my career as a reflection of the remarkable patients, families and colleagues that I have worked alongside.”
Asma Pandor
In 2023, Asma was awarded Gloucestershire Hospitals’ Patient’s Choice Award, an accolade that underscored the profound difference she makes. Speaking about Asma’s impact, one patient said:
“Dementia is the worst disease, and I simply do not know how I would have managed every admission without Asma by my side. I have spoken to so many other people and we all agree that Asma is our lifeline. She was the first person to encourage other staff to see past the dementia and treat my husband as a person.”
Chief Executive Kevin McNamara commented:
“I am delighted to see this national recognition of Asma’s commitment and drive to support patients with dementia. Asma’s energy, compassion and dedication to the nursing profession continue to inspire and motivate everyone she comes into contact with.”
Born and raised in Gloucester, Asma trained at the University of the West of England (UWE) and returned to the county after moving to London as a newly qualified nurse. She held several key nursing positions before being appointed to the Admiral Nurse role, a joint position between Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Dementia UK. Her extensive experience and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in enhancing dementia care within the county.
Asma’s achievement stands as a testament to the transformative impact that healthcare professionals can have on their communities. It also serves as an inspiration for others in nursing to pursue excellence and compassion in their practice.