A matron who has worked at Evelina London Children’s Hospital for 32 years will celebrate her first Mother’s Day working with her daughter.
Ellen Samuel, 58, joined Evelina London in 1986, when children’s services were based at Guy’s Hospital.
After starting as a night sister, Ellen progressed to become a matron and is now the matron for beach ward, which cares for children with kidney disease and bladder issues.
Her 21-year-old daughter, Penhaligan Samuel, started working at Evelina London last year and is currently a patient flow co-ordinator for the bed management team.
Ellen has seen lots of changes over the years, including the building of the new hospital on the site of St Thomas’, but says she never expected to be working with Penhaligan.
“Penhaligan is the youngest of my three children and I’ve always included all of them in my working life as much as I can,” she said.
“I was very surprised but am extremely proud that Penhaligan has chosen a career in the NHS.
“If she wasn’t going to be a nurse, this is the next best thing.”
Penhaligan said working with her mum had changed their relationship.
“I’ve seen my mum in a new light,” she said. “I really didn’t appreciate how hard she works and why.
“Working at the hospital at Christmas, for example, I saw how much extra effort is put into making families feel special.
“The people that know my mum have been quick to tell me how amazing she is, it’s given me a whole new respect for her.”
“We’re always working to make things better for the families we care for at Evelina London so to have Penhaligan sharing that goal is wonderful,” Ellen added.
“I describe myself as an Evelina stick of rock: if you cut me open I’d have Evelina London running throughout me.
“To be able to share something I am so passionate about with one of my children is really very special.”