Welsh Ambulance Service leader in King's Birthday Honours List
Laura Charles, a Duty Control Manager based in Cwmbran, Torfaen, has been awarded the prestigious King's Ambulance Service Medal for distinguished service.
Laura, 48, is originally from Fife in Scotland and moved to Cwmbran in 2001. She settled in the area before joining the Welsh Ambulance Service as a call taker in 2007.
Laura started her career in Mamhilad control as a 999 Call Taker before moving to Cwmbran in 2009 when the two control rooms merged.
She then became a Dispatcher and by 2016 had progressed to the role of Allocator, gaining wide experience and knowledge in control room functions.
In 2022, Laura took on the role of Shift Manager for the south-east area before becoming Operations Manager in November 2024.
Jason Killens, Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: 'We are thrilled and immensely proud that Laura has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours List.
'Over nearly two decades of dedicated service, Laura has exemplified outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment.
'She has consistently inspired those around her with her passion, integrity and drive and her infectious positivity motivates colleagues to give their very best, contributing to the delivery of exceptional care for the people of Wales.'
Laura has nearly 2 decades of dedicated service (Image: Supplied) Gill Pleming, the Trust's Head of Service for EMS Coordination, added: 'Laura's commitment and motivation is palpable, and she is the epitome of professionalism to colleagues and our patients.
'She is highly regarded by those she leads, as well as peers, and other colleagues within the organisation.
'Laura's achievements are truly representative of the contribution she has made to improving patient experience as well as improving the working environment for her teams.'
Laura also supports the Trust by raising the profile of the organisation in schools, colleges and at public engagement events to promote career opportunities.
Gill added: 'She is a true advocate of working in an Emergency Coordination Centre. 'She represents everything that you would want and expect of a professional ambulance service colleague.
'On behalf of everyone who has had the pleasure of working with Laura, I wish to congratulate her on this much deserved honour.'
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