A BRADFORD health worker has spoken of her joy after being recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Rukeya Miah, Deputy Associate Director of Nursing and Senior Midwife at Bradford Royal Infirmary, was awarded a British Empire Medal for her contribution in the field of vaccination.

She was praised for her services to maternity and healthcare education, particularly during the pandemic.

“It’s an incredible honour to be doing the job I am passionate about over the past 30 years, and to serve our community has been an incredible responsibility, but one I am proud of,” said Rukeya, who is from Keighley.

Rukeya is married to husband Mashuk and has four children, Tahmina, 26, Shumaira, 22, Imaad, 18 and Hanna, 16.

The British Empire Medal is also an early birthday present for Rukeya, who will turn 52 on 14 June.

“My adult life has been devoted to caring for others,” she added.

“The pandemic and the vaccine 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, as I believe passionately in inclusivity to support people.

“One size does not fit the needs of all, so we tailored the vaccine programme for our different cultures.”

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

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

She then became a clinical advanced practitioner, before completing her master’s degree, where she juggled her clinical work alongside acting as a part-time lecturer at the University.

Rukeya then moved into clinical practice education and became a lead midwife for Trust’s Neonatal Transitional Care Unit for premature babies with underlying health issues.

“It’s been an incredible journey and I have worn many hats during my time in the NHS but in everything that I do, I have always I recognised the importance of working collaboratively,” she added.

Chief Nurse Karen Dawber, who put Rukeya forward for the award, said: “I am very proud of Rukeya, this honour is very well deserved and is recognition of Rukeya’s commitment and passion.

“Rukeya has already achieved great things, and I know that she knows no boundaries in wanting to achieve good, fair and equitable services for all.”