15/06/2024
Chief Executive of the Western Trust Neil Guckian extended his warmest congratulations to Professor Max Watson, Consultant in Palliative Care Medicine based at Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex and Alison Cairns, Specialist Renal Nurse at Altnagelvin Hospital on their much deserved recognition in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
Professor Max Watson became Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to Palliative Care Medicine.
In the Western Trust Max has clinical responsibility for a nine bed unit at Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex. Following difficulty in Palliative Care Consultant recruitment in such rural areas Max worked with colleagues to develop a four year Integrated Care Fellowship program to locally train up consultants in palliative care and care of the elderly medicine. The Fellowship program has now been running eight months and fellows have stabilised the working environment and are building a sustainable hope for medical leadership for the future. This model has been picked up by several areas across the UK facing similar recruitment gaps. Max is also Director of Project ECHO, an online platform of teachers and learners supporting clinical care across the region with the SPPG and with the world wide ECHO movement.
Western Trust Chief Executive Neil Guckian said:
“This honour is truly deserved by Professor Watson. He is a shining example of someone who is totally dedicated to putting patients first in everything. He has dedicated his career to providing the highest quality of care to patients with palliative care needs, supporting them and their families through very difficult times.
“Professor Watson’s superb clinical contribution spans worldwide and we are very grateful for his clinical leadership particularly in teaching and supporting our Clinical Fellows to help workforce challenges within Palliative Care for the future.”
Speaking about his award Professor Watson said:
“I can think of many people working in Palliative Care and also in Project ECHO who deserve such recognition more. That colleagues and peers have enabled this affirmation makes it both meaningful and an opportunity to celebrate the care and compassion shown day and daily by those working in Palliative Care.”
Mrs Alison Cairns became Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to renal patients and their families within the Western Trust.
Alison has worked for the Western Trust for the last 17 years and was instrumental in setting up the Altnagelvin Renal Support Group which provides a familial and supportive environment for patients, families, friends and staff alike. In her current role she helps to educate patients with chronic kidney disease about their various potential treatment pathways, and help them to discern what is right for them in their various circumstances.
Paying tribute to Alison’s achievements, Neil said:
“Alison has been a stalwart for our Renal patients and their families. She is a diligent, professional and focused specialised nurse who works to make sure patients are supportive and educated at every stage of their disease.”
Commenting on her award, Alison said:
“Having set up the Altnagelvin Renal Support Group
back in 2010, I am humbled to have been blessed with so many talented people, at different points to help achieve the vision of the support group which is still going strong today. I pay tribute to all those whose lives have intersected with the Altnagelvin Renal Support Group, and I hope that this award is seen by all of them as a most high-level endorsement of the energy and camaraderie that has shaped us in the good times as well as the challenging times.
“Personally, I am delighted to have my part in this important legacy recognised through the King’s birthday honours, and I pray that it will be an encouragement to the whole team to keep striving to do our absolute best for our patients, their families and one another.”
Neil concluded:
“On behalf of myself and Trust Board members I wish to extend my congratulations to both Max and Alison for this much deserved recognition.”