Dr Neil Walden worked as a GP and partner at Marazion Surgery until his retirement from practice in 2019.
Since then, he has continued to play a pivotal role in shaping care across the region by working to develop neighbourhood health and bring services closer to home through his role as a non-executive board member of the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board.
He was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to healthcare in Cornwall.
Dr Walden said: “It has been a privilege to work alongside so many passionate and committed colleagues and community partners to improve health and care for people in Cornwall.
“I am deeply humbled and proud to receive this honour in recognition of the work of many dedicated colleagues towards integrated health and care in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”
Dr Neil Walden from West Cornwall has been made an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List. (Image: Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board)
Joining the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB Board on July 1, 2022, he went on to also become a member of the joint committee for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon ICBs in October this year.
Dr Walden has been a passionate advocate for partnership working – bringing together NHS organisations, providers, patients and the voluntary sector to design services that truly reflect what matters most to people.
His leadership had also been instrumental in developing integrated community health and care services in West Penwith.
John Govett, chair of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB and NHS Devon ICB, said: “Neil’s commitment to listening to local people and working collaboratively has made a real difference to health and care services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
“This honour is a fitting tribute to his dedication and leadership over many years and reflects the impact he continues to have in shaping services that support us to shift health care from hospitals to communities and in driving neighbourhood system working over many years.”
Throughout his career, Dr Walden has held several key roles, including Locality lead GP and clinical director of Penwith Primary Care Network, chair then member of the Penwith Integrated Care Forum, and joint clinical lead in the West Integrated Care Area.
His deep understanding of the complexities of partnership arrangements and primary care networks ensures that plans remain patient-centred and informed by clinical evidence.