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University Hospitals of Leicester celebrate double recognition of colleagues in King’s First Birthday Honours

16 June 2023

Dr Claire Robinson, Consultant Radiographer, and Dr Andy Haynes, Non-Executive Director at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL), have been awarded MBEs in the first King’s Birthday Honours.


Dr Claire Robinson and Dr Andy Haynes

Dr Robinson, a Consultant Radiographer in Forensic Imaging at UHL and senior lecturer at the University of Leicester, has been recognised for her work in the field of forensic investigation. She has been key to the development of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) scan services in Leicester and the UK, which avoids the need for autopsy for thousands of people each year and has led to speedier and improved forensic investigations.

Claire who has 22 years’ experience in radiography said: “I couldn’t really believe it when I first found out. It was a huge surprise. I’m very grateful to those who nominated me - it’s a huge honour.”

Claire started her radiography career 22 years ago at UHL and has gone on to become the only consultant radiographer in forensic imaging in the UK. "I have been lucky," said Claire. "I have worked with some great people and have been able to progress with the support of radiology managers and colleagues. I'm very proud of the service we provide for the families and friends of the deceased in Leicestershire and surrounding area. We couldn't do it without the fantastic team, from radiology and pathology."

Dr Andy Haynes joined UHL in 2020 as a Non-Executive Director, having worked across the NHS for over 35 years. A haematologist by background, he shaped how cancer services are provided across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, both in his capacity as Medical Director for Sherwood Forest Hospitals and Executive Lead for the Nottinghamshire Integrated Care System until his retirement in 2021. As part of his work, he helped to bring a Maggie's Centre to support patients to the county and furthered the use of pioneering Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging to aid diagnosis and treatment.

"I’m really privileged to have worked alongside some brilliant people in some great teams and this award is as much in recognition of their collective efforts as it is my own,” Dr Haynes said. “The improvements to those services were only ever possible because of the way that we were able to empower our frontline colleagues to identify and make the changes that patients needed to see.

UHL Chief Executive, Richard Mitchell, said: “Our congratulations go to colleagues receiving well deserved honours today. Claire and Andy’s work has changed lives and improved clinical practice. We are incredibly proud to work alongside them both in their respective roles at UHL.”

The Birthday Honours are awarded as part of the King's Official Birthday celebrations during the month of June. Official presentations are yet to be confirmed but are anticipated to take place later this year.

ENDS

About Dr Claire Robinson

PMCT has now become the primary tool for HM Coroner investigations locally and has been introduced elsewhere thanks to the training she has helped to provide. PCMT has also improved the speed of identification of victims in mass fatalities and is an integral part of the UK’s disaster response planning, which has seen Claire assist with investigations into the Shoreham Air Show crash (2015), Manchester Arena bombing and Grenfell tower fire, both in 2017. Internationally, she also assisted the MH17 investigation in 2014.

Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Leicester said: “Recognition with an award by His Majesty The King is the highest accolade possible and, on behalf of us all, we congratulate Dr Robinson upon her success.  At Leicester, we take pride in our community being Citizens of Change, forming a powerful network that delivers real world benefits in the locality, nationally and internationally. Dr Robinson and her colleagues exemplify this and their pioneering work has had global ramifications.”

Associate professor and forensic pathologist at the University of Leicester, Dr Mike Biggs, said: “We are in the privileged position here in Leicester to be considered genuine pioneers of this revolution, but it has only been possible because of the tireless hard work and dedication that Claire has put in since day one.”

Professor Bruno Morgan, UHL medical lead for imaging added: “This award is for a very special person, not only for what she has achieved consistently over a long period of time, but also the selfless way she has gone about it - showing exceptional determination and commitment and respect for her colleagues, the deceased and their families.”

About Dr Andy Haynes

Dr Andy Haynes worked across Nottinghamshire's NHS for over 35 years, including for 25 years at Nottingham University Hospitals, before he became Executive Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive at Sherwood Forest Hospitals between 2014 and 2019. After his retirement, Dr Haynes continued to serve patients as a Specialist Non-Executive Advisor to the Board at Sherwood Forest Hospitals and a Non-Executive Director on the Board at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

Claire Ward, the Chair of Sherwood Forest Hospitals, who made the nomination on behalf of the Trust, said: “This award recognises Dr Haynes’ outstanding achievement and services to patients and their families across Nottinghamshire. Through Andy’s skill and dedication, he has helped to genuinely transform the way that people living with cancer are cared for and how their families are supported at what we know can be one of the most challenging times in their lives. This is fantastic and well-deserved recognition for Dr Haynes’ career for this important work.”

Amanda Sullivan, Chief Executive from the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Congratulations to Dr Haynes – this is well deserved. Andy was an outstanding executive lead for the Integrated Care System, helping to bring together health and care services in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. This was particularly vital during the early stages of the pandemic and his work set us on a firm footing for collaboration across the area. It’s been a pleasure working with him over the years.”


Communications Team: communications@uhl-tr.nhs.uk