Staff on the Covid frontline in Wales recognised in New Year Honours
Doctors, nurses and paramedics dominate the list, along with police officers
Doctors, nurses, paramedics and members of the emergency services across Wales have all been recognised in the Queen's New Years Honours as the decade closes in the middle of the Covid 19 pandemic
NHS Wales Chief Executive Andrew Goodall said:
“I would like to congratulate each and every one of those who have received honours for all their hard work and dedication throughout the pandemic and over many years. I hope this acts as recognition of the sterling work they have provided to our health services and their selfless commitment to helping others.
“This year has been incredibly challenging for everyone across the sector, as we have grappled with the pandemic and strived to do everything we can to keep Wales safe. But the remarkable work of our health and social care staff has been one of the brightest lights of hope and pride for Wales in a dark and difficult time.
“We are incredibly proud of our NHS in Wales. The Thursday night clap for our carers and frontline staff was just one example of our appreciation for everything they have done to protect and care for us. I hope these honours show our gratitude for everything they have done.”Wales’ first woman consultant cardiac surgeon and two senior nurses who are all leaders in their fields have been recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours.
On of them was 44 year-old Dr Tamas Szakmany from Newport who has won an MBE.
The Critical Care Consultant at Royal Gwent Hospital led the response of the Welsh Critical Care Network during the pandemic.
He also built up a research programme and recruited the patients with COVID-19 into the national randomised controlled trials and NIHR priority studies such as the RECOVERY trial, which has brought the first effective treatment against COVID19
Professor Farah Bhatti of Morriston Hospital in Swansea, who was also the first British woman of Pakistani heritage appointed as a consultant cardiac surgeon in the UK, has been awarded an OBE for services to diversity in the NHS in Wales.
Professor Farah Bhatti of Morriston Hospital in Swansea, who was also the first British woman of Pakistani heritage appointed as a consultant cardiac surgeon in the UK, has been awarded an OBE for services to diversity in the NHS in Wales.
Senior matron Carol Doggett, head of nursing – medicine and ECHO (emergency care and hospital operations) at Morriston Hospital, has been made an MBE for services to leadership and nursing care for intensive care patients and staff, particularly during Covid-19.
Neath Port Talbot Hospital’s clinical nurse specialist Karen Kembery has been awarded a BEM for services to nursing for her work to transform the approach to wound care and the prevention of pressure ulcers.