University Hospitals of North Midlands consultants recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours
A leading paediatrician and consultant respiratory physician from University Hospitals of North Midlands have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for their contribution to the NHS.
Dr John Alexander, a consultant in paediatric intensive care at Staffordshire Children’s Hospital at Royal Stoke and Dr Martin Allen, respiratory consultant have both been awarded an MBE and are among dozens of NHS staff nationally recognised for their achievements.
Dr Alexander, 64, of Loggerheads, leads a team of doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals who look after children needing intensive care at Royal Stoke and is recognised for improving the care of critically ill children and young people in the West Midlands region for nearly 25 years.
Dr Alexander has played a significant role in every step in the journey of a critically ill child from the time of admission to hospital until they are discharged, introducing a Paediatric Early Warning Scoring (PEWS) system at UHNM seven years ago that has helped junior staff assessing children. The warning system has consistently improved early identification of sick children and informed what appropriate management could be undertaken without delay. He has extended his role to a national level as is working for NHS England to develop a single PEWS system that can be used in all hospitals around the UK.
Dr Martin Allen, who has worked at Royal Stoke University Hospital for 25 years and is also a National Specialty Adviser for NHS England, was recognised for his work during the Covid-19 pandemic. He was one of three physicians to determine the correct use of novel drugs to manage Covid-19.
The 64-year old, of Market Drayton, also wrote two national NICE guidelines for Covid-19 and co-authored a document which reviewed how hospitals could provide good care during Covid-19.
Today Dr Allen said: “It’s great to be recognised as an individual and I’m delighted but it’s also fantastic for UHNM and for Stoke as an area to have a local senior clinician recognised for national work. Respiratory medicine was hit really badly during Covid but the respiratory support units helped to protect and manage care and worked innovatively. They also helped to support Intensive Care Units.”
In receiving his MBE, Dr Alexander said: “I feel very honoured to receive this prestigious award. I have been very fortunate to have the support of my family as well as being able to work with outstanding teams at the hospital and across our region to develop and continue to improve how we care for children and young people, especially those needing intensive care. This award is a tribute to the amazing people I work with as well as the patients and their families I have had the privilege to care for.”
John Oxtoby, UHNM Medical Director, said: “We are delighted for Martin and John to be honoured for their significant contribution to the NHS locally and nationally. Their honours demonstrate their passion and commitment to the care of patients irrespective of where they are being treated and on behalf of UHNM we offer our congratulations to them both.”