Gemma scoops 'Women In Security Award'
Back in March 2020 OCS security guard, Gemma Myring, was due to be placed on furlough as our world changed and the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic took hold. Instead, she decided to put herself forward to join the company’s Healthcare and Education division, which led her to support us at our Women’s Hospital providing assistance and support at our main entrance.
Despite having no previous experience Gemma excelled at working at our hospital and is still here today; working and supporting patients, families and staff in keeping safe.
Gemma’s line manager, Andy Schulten, was so impressed by her hard work, as well as all the positive feedback he was receiving about her, that he went ahead and nominated her for a Women in Security Award, which duly won.
After finding out she’d made it to the shortlist in the Women in Security Frontline category, she received the fantastic news that she’
Gemma and her support bubble of her mom, step-dad and her four children all joined in to watch the ceremony at home with lots of cheers and a glass of champagne to celebrate when she was announced as the winner.
The 38-year-old from Tipton said: “It’s still very surreal. I couldn’t believe I had been shortlisted nevermind winning. Even with the trophy in my hands I still don’t believe it.
“I’ve only been a security guard for around two years and before this, I worked at the NIA in Birmingham, which is completely different to working at a hospital.
“I’m so proud and I can’t wait to get my trophy up and on display at home”.
Gemma's Nomination from Andy Schulten, OCS Group UK Ltd:
“Gemma is a member of security staff from our Birmingham Arena contact who was to be put on furlough in March 2020 due to the current pandemic. Instead, she volunteered in our Healthcare & Education division to support our Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust contract with an additional requirement to provide a security presence at the Women’s Hospital. Gemma started in the height of the pandemic and having no previous hospital experience she has excelled and is still supporting at the hospital. As the only security presence at the hospital during the day, Gemma has worked with the Trust to implement their new visitor’s policy which meant access restrictions leading to irate visitors and patients. Gemma dealt with these issues with grace and professionalism. Gemma has supported expectant mothers with their bags, acted as a screener of visitors entering the hospital, dealt with aggressive family members and even supported a member of the public in the car park when they were going into labour and waiting for Trust staff to arrive. “Gemma is a credit to OCS and your team, I have had lots of compliments” – Facilities Manager, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Trust. “I would like to say a big thank you to Gemma for her professionalism and team spirit. She goes beyond her job role and is a credit to your organisation. We feel she is a part of our team and has fitted in perfectly.” – Head Porter, Birmingham Women’s Hospital.
We were asked by our client to provide additional support during the pandemic at a site where we do not provide security. Having Gemma volunteer was fantastic; however, it could have been daunting for her. Coming from a completely different sector, with no healthcare experience and putting herself on the frontline in a pandemic could have been too much for some people. Gemma however has been a credit to OCS whilst working at the Hospital. She has supported other departments when they needed support, provided a friendly face to hundreds of patients and reacted with professionalism in situations which have been very difficult. Gemma has been flexible to the changing needs of the role over this period. She has restricted access to all visitors during the height of the pandemic to screening staff, patients and visitors when restrictions ease and has to ensure facemasks are worn whilst ensuring her health and wellbeing are not put at risk. Gemma has been instrumental in supporting one of our clients during testing times and has done so with a smile. It was a pleasure to be able to nominate her for this award as I believe she deserves it.