Many NHS staff have been recognised in this year’s New Year’s honours list, and we were delighted to see North Central London colleagues and close neighbours among the recipients. This recognition highlights some of the amazing work happening throughout our system and across our boroughs. Congratulations to all those honoured!
Among the recipients are:
- Matilda (Matty) Asante-Owusu, Sickle Cell Community Matron at Whittington Health NHS Trust, awarded an MBE for services to nursing.
- Evelyn Blumenthal, a volunteer at the Royal Free Charity, awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to hospital volunteering and caring for people with dementia.
- Dr Matt Kearney, Senior Advisor for Cardiovascular Health at UCL Partners, awarded an OBE for services to health and the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Matilda Asante-Owusu (Matty)
Matty is a Sickle Cell Community Matron at Whittington Health NHS Trust and has dedicated 36 years to the NHS. She supports over 300 adults living with sickle cell disorder and extends her care to patients at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) in Camden.
Matty said: “When I first saw the letter on the floor, I thought it was a fine! Opening it was a complete shock, but also an incredible moment. I feel deeply honoured and overwhelmed by this recognition. My motivation has always been my patients. They are at the heart of everything I do. This award is a step forward in raising awareness of the challenges these patients face and the importance of addressing them.”
Evelyn Blumenthal
Since joining the Royal Free Charity, Evelyn has volunteered over 2,000 hours, focusing on dementia-specific support. Through the Royal Free Charity’s dementia companionship volunteer programme, Evelyn has trained many volunteers, equipping them with the skills to care for patients with dementia and the elderly.
Jon Spiers, Royal Free Charity Chief Executive, said: “Evelyn is a familiar face at the Royal Free Hospital, and this award will come as no surprise to anyone who has worked alongside her or benefitted from her exceptional care. Her dedication to caring for vulnerable patients and mentoring new volunteers makes her an outstanding role model.”
Dr Matt Kearney
From 2016 to 2019, Dr Kearney served as NHS England’s first National Clinical Director for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention. He has founded several key resources driving prevention in primary care.
Dr Kearney said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award. My work has grown from the belief that we can do much more to prevent the devastation of heart attacks and strokes. But none of this would have been possible without the support and creativity of colleagues at UCLPartners, NHS England, and the Department of Health, who share a passion for transforming cardiovascular disease prevention.”
Other local recognitions include:
- Professor Ajay Vora, former Consultant Paediatric Haematologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, awarded an MBE for services to childhood leukaemia.
- Marie Gabriel, Chair of a neighbouring ICB, awarded a CBE for services to health and equality. She is also the Chair of the NHS Race and Health Observatory.
- Emily Thornberry, Senior Labour MP for Islington South, awarded a Damehood. Emily has served as MP since 2005 and is now Chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee.
Congratulations to all our local recipients!