A nurse from Bingley has been recognised for her dedication and service to the NHS at an event in Downing Street.
Jo Reynard, a nurse since 1991 who now is NHS England’s Infection Prevention ICS Lead in the North West, was chosen from hundreds of nominations to attend an event hosted by Health Secretary Steve Barclay to mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS.
Ms Reynard was nominated by Shipley MP Philip Davies after MPs were asked to put forward healthcare workers from their local area for a chance to attend the event.
Ms Reynard said: “I was so surprised to have been invited and nearly missed the email, the day was so memorable and Philip and his team provided an amazing experience in Westminster, but then we went to Number 10 – It was surreal and really can’t believe I was inside number 10, I was able to discuss my passion of Infection Prevention and also the Bingley menopause group to Ministers – thank you to everyone making this a really special and memorable 75th NHS Birthday.”
Ms Reynard spent 14 years serving in the RAF as a nurse before moving back to the district and starting work for the NHS. During the pandemic she worked on the front line delivering the covid vaccine programme at Elland Road vaccination centre.
Mr Davies said: “Jo is a fantastic example of someone who has dedicated her working and private life to the service of her country and her community and is well deserving to be nominated as an NHS Champion in the 75th anniversary year of the National Health Service.”
Ms Reynard is the Honorary Secretary of the Infection Prevention Society and runs a Menopause Support Group. She is co-chair of the Local School Committee at Beckfoot School in Bingley and a member of the civilian committee of Baildon Air Cadets.