Local RAF reservist to represent region’s NHS at Coronation of King Charles III

The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be watched by millions, but one lucky member of staff from Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board will be at the event in person.

Dee Runciman is set to accompany the newly-crowned King and Queen to and from Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May, as part of a procession made up of 96 Royal Air Force reservists.

For the last nine years, the ICB’s Strategic People Manager has dedicated much of her free time to being a reserve RAF mover.

The role is an integral part of all RAF missions and involves carefully coordinating the movement of both people and cargo to and from military aircraft.

Dee’s experience of these large-scale operations have helped in getting ready for the Coronation procession.

She said: “The preparation has been hard. There have been some days when we have marched more than 15 miles, as it’s really important for us to be as fine-tuned as possible.

“It is a huge honour for each and every one of us to participate in this historic event, and I know the memory will stay with me, as well as my children and grandchildren, for many years to come.”

The NHS will feature heavily throughout the Coronation weekend, with around 200 staff from across the country being given a prime spot to view the King and Queen’s journey from Westminster Abbey.

As well as this, around 50 NHS staff will be among the 20,000 strong crowd at Windsor Castle for the star-studded Coronation Concert.

The weekend’s festivities will be prolonged thanks to an additional bank holiday on Monday 8 May.

On this day, many health services across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, such as pharmacies and GP practices, will either be closed or open with shorter opening hours.

During this time, people in need of medical assistance will be encouraged to use NHS 111 online, which can provide person-specific help and advice for all minor injuries and illnesses.

Where appropriate to do so, NHS 111 online can also refer people to other nearby health and care services, such as those in the region’s hospitals, urgent treatment centres and minor injury units. More information about all local health and care services can be found online at www.bsw.icb.nhs.uk.