NHS workers recognised in 2024 New Year's Honours

Introduction

The King's New Year Honours list 2024 has recognised the outstanding work and achievements of National Health Service (NHS) personnel. Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England, has praised the dedication, service and valuable contributions made by extraordinary nurses, doctors, surgeons, and other medical professionals during the health service's 75th anniversary despite a challenging year.

Professor Tim Kendall,the former National Clinical Director for Mental Health, has been recognised for his invaluable contributions to Mental Health Care in England.

NHS chief executive, Amanda Pritchard said, “As we approach the end of a year, in which the NHS has marked major milestones and made real progress for patients, while also dealing with unprecedented challenges, it is wonderful to see so many of our colleagues honoured for the contribution they’ve made.

Whether leading improvements in nursing, mental health and paediatric surgery, tackling health inequalities, or delivering life-saving critical care, the difference that each of those honoured has made for patients is immense.

I know millions of people across the country will join me in expressing our gratitude to them, and to all of our staff,who continue to go above and beyond every day to deliver the best possible care for patients.”

James McLean, Joint Regional Chief Nurse for NHS England in the North West and former Deputy Chief Nurse for Programme Delivery at Health Education England, has been awarded an OBE for his exceptional contributions to the field of Nursing. Upon receiving this honour, James McLean stated: “I am immensely proud to have been recognised in this way and deeply humbled as I have worked with some truly amazing people throughout my career.”

Professor Margaret Rae, the Deputy Director of Regional Health Programmes and Head of the School for Public Health Specialist Training at NHS England South West, was recently awarded a CBE for her outstanding contributions to Public Health and Public Health Standards. Professor Rae has previously served as the President of the Faculty of Public Health and currently holds the position of President of the RSM Epidemiology and Public Health Section. In response to the honour, she expressed her gratitude: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award which I hope recognises all those working in Public Health. I would also like to thank colleagues for their help and support throughout my career. Public Health is a small but vital speciality and I have always found it a privilege to protect and promote the health of the public.”

Jill Crook, the Director of Nursing, Professional, and System Development hailing from Gloucestershire, has been presented with a BEM for her significant contributions to Transforming Care, Learning Disability and Autism. Jill commented: “It is an honour to be recognised for and awarded a British Empire Medal, in the 2024 New Year’s honours list. The award represents the sheer dedication and commitment to improving health care, and outcomes for individuals with a learning disability and autistic people in the South West. Without the proactive, innovative work happening at a regional and local level we would not be seeing the improvements we are today.”

“I am immensely proud to have been recognised in this way and deeply humbled as I have worked with some truly amazing people throughout my career”

In the King's New Year Honours list of 2024, NHS staff stand as shining examples of dedication and selflessness. Their tireless efforts in the face of unprecedented challenges have not only saved lives but also inspired hope and resilience in communities across the nation. As they are rightfully honoured, let us recognise and celebrate the unwavering commitment and compassion of these healthcare heroes, whose remarkable contributions continue to shape and strengthen the fabric of our society.