On Thursday 17 October, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Her Excellency, Mrs HE Enna Park visited Kingston Hospital with a delegation of 12 Korean dignitaries and was greeted by the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Margaret Thompson, who is also one of the hospital’s governors, and Chairman, Sian Bates. Another hospital governor, CJ Kim, has strong links to the Korean community and organised the visit to afford an opportunity for the group to learn more about the NHS, Kingston Hospital and Kingston Hospital Charity. As well as having an opportunity to meet some of the Korean staff who work at the hospital, the Ambassador was provided with a tour of the Maxwell Thorne Haematology Day Unit and maternity. Other delegates visited the newly refurbished dementia friendly Blyth and Kennet Wards and the new Kingston Private Health facility.

Her Excellency was really struck by the care and compassion that came naturally from all the staff she met and was very keen for us all to work together to strengthen our relationships with the local Korean community.