Six individuals have been named for the profound impact their work has had on healthcare in the North West, two of whom are from East Lancashire.
North West NHS said the honours come at the end of a year in which the NHS dealt with record levels of demand and an early surge in winter viruses.
Nelson’s Simon Walsh is procurement director for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Joint Greater Manchester Procurement Lead and was recognised with a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the NHS and charity.
Simon has worked in NHS procurement services since 1987 and has led the procurement team of MFT and its predecessors since 2003.
He is a former chair of the Health Care Supply Association, the representative charity for NHS procurement staff, and has contributed to procurement policy development at regional and national levels.
Simon said: “It has been immensely rewarding to lead the procurement team at MFT and, with the support of the trust, to develop a unique range of services to wards, theatres, and departments.
“I am both humbled and proud to receive this recognition.”
Jackie Hanson, former Joint Regional Chief Nurse for NHS England in the North West, and currently a Non-Executive Director at Manchester University NHS FT, was a stalwart figure in the regional team for many years.
Jackie, from Barnoldswick, was instrumental in driving the establishment of the North West anti-racism programme and was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the nursing profession and health services leadership.
Jackie said: “I am deeply honoured and proud to receive this award that has been given in recognition of my leadership contribution to nursing and health services.
“I have been enormously privileged to work alongside dedicated, hardworking and compassionate staff who have strived to improve the quality of health care services for communities and patients within the North West.
“I dedicate this award to all of them and thank them for their support and guidance throughout my career.”
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Trish Bennett, Maeve Keaney and Kathy Cowell (Image: NHS)
Elsewhere, Dr Maeve Keaney, former Consultant Microbiologist at Salford Royal Hospital, was also awarded an MBE for services to Refugee Doctors in Greater Manchester.
Trish Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of Mersey Care NHS FT, was awarded an MBE for services to the NHS and Kathy Cowell OBE DL, Chair of Manchester University NHS FT (MFT), has been honoured as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to the NHS.
Dr Graeme Allan, Volunteer Medical Director at Southport Macmillan Centre and former Cancer Lead GP in Sefton, was also recognised with a BEM for his services to the community in Southport.