FGM specialist among nurses named in 2024 New Year Honours
A former Royal College of Nursing (RCN) president, a female genital mutilation (FGM) specialist and more than two dozen other nurses and midwives have been recognised in the 2024 New Year Honours list.
The list, released annually at the end of December by the UK Cabinet Office, names those who have been given a prestigious award from The King.
“I am humbled and delighted to be chosen to receive an OBE”
Lorraine Sunduza
Among the awardees this year was Dr Denise Chaffer, who served as the RCN’s president from July 2021 until January 2023.
Dr Chaffer, who was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the list, is currently the director of safety and learning for NHS Resolution.
Denise Chaffer
Lorraine Sunduza, interim chief executive of East London NHS Foundation Trust and the trust’s former chief nurse, was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to mental and community health.
Lorraine Sunduza
Ms Sunduza, who has worked at the East London trust since 2002 and is a registered mental health nurse, said she was “overjoyed” to be named.
“I am humbled and delighted to be chosen to receive an OBE,” said Ms Sunduza.
“The honour for me is actually being chosen for the things that I am passionate about.
“I know that I could not have done any of it without the tremendous support that I have from my family, friends, and colleagues.”
East London trust chair Eileen Taylor added: “I am delighted at this well-deserved recognition for Lorraine’s contribution over many years of service to the NHS and to nursing.
“Lorraine is an inspirational role model to us all.”
Huda Mohamed, FGM specialist lead midwife at Whittington Health NHS Trust, was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to midwifery.
Huda Mohamed
Ms Mohamed – who is both a registered nurse and midwife – runs an FGM clinic which takes on patients from across the country.
As reported by Nursing Times, Ms Mohamed is backing the One Question Campaign, which asks the NHS to add a question about FGM to all female patient forms, and to offer long-term mental health support and reconstructive surgery to survivors of it.
Nurses were also among those awarded a King’s Ambulance Service Medal (KAM).
Wendy Herbert, Welsh Ambulance Service assistant director of quality and nursing, was handed a KAM for distinguished service at the trust.
Ms Herbert, a registered nurse, has been working in the Welsh NHS since 1988 and has been in her current role since 2014.
Liam Williams, executive director of quality and nursing at Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “The work Wendy leads on patient experience and community involvement is celebrated not only within the UK ambulance sector, but across the wider NHS Wales and beyond.
Wendy Herbert
“Wendy has been a passionate advocate for patient safety and our people through a period of significant challenge, including the Covid-19 pandemic.
“She works closely with the chief executive to support conversations with families who have lost a loved one and where there is learning for the ambulance service or the wider NHS.
“Wendy’s compassion is matched only by her commitment to full candour to families, and we are overjoyed that she is being recognised in the New Year Honours.”
A number of Army nurses were also named on the military honours list.
Andrea Sutcliffe, Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) chief executive and registrar, offered her congratulations to those named.
She said: “As we reflect on another challenging year for health and social care, and look ahead to 2024, it’s wonderful to see some of the leading lights and unsung heroes of our professions across the four nations recognised for their vital work over many years.”
She said she was especially pleased with the recognition of Dr Chaffer, Ms Sunduza and Nicki Patterson.
Ms Patterson, previously director of nursing for South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland and a former NMC Council member, was awarded an OBE for services to health and social care in the country.
Nicki Patterson
“Congratulations to everybody honoured. Your achievements are an inspiration to us all,” added Ms Sutcliffe.
As well as nurses themselves, Felicity Dahl was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE).
Dame Felicity founded Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, named after her late husband, in 1991 shortly after the author’s death.
The charity has funded more than 100 specialist paediatric nurses for seriously ill children across the UK and provides training and support for these nurses.
RCN president Sheilabye Sobrany said: “On behalf of the RCN, I would like to share our warmest congratulations to all of those who have been recognised in the New Year Honours.
“Your work is truly inspiring and represents the very best of nursing.”
Nurses and midwives recognised in the 2024 New Year Honours list
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Dr Denise Marie Chaffer
Former Royal RCN president and director, safety and learning at NHS Resolution. For services to patient safety.
Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Professor Carol Ann Doyle
Head of Birmingham City University School of Nursing and Midwifery Education. For services to nurse education.
Nicola Heather Anne Patterson
Director of nursing at South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust. For services for health and social care in Northern Ireland.
Dr Lisa Margaret Ritchie
Head of infection prevention and control at NHS England. For services to healthcare, particularly during Covid-19.
Lorraine Pfavayi Sunduza
Lately chief nurse at East London NHS Foundation Trust. For services to mental and community health.
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Gina Beard
Lead cancer nurse at Hywel Dda University Health Board. For services to cancer nursing.
Trudy Helen Berlet
Lately lead midwife for bereavement care, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. For services to midwifery.
Debbie Hazel Brown
Advanced nurse practitioner and clinical director at Lewisham Community Education Provider Network Training Hub. For services to nursing and the NHS.
Jessica Miriam Bryson Davidson
Senior clinical forensic charge nurse. For services to forensic nursing and victim support in Scotland.
Linda Jacqueline Edmunds
Consultant nurse in heart failure and cardiac rehabilitation at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. For services to cardiac rehabilitation and heart failure.
Charity Gladstone
Lately matron of cardiology and respiratory services at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. For services to nursing.
Dr Claire Mairead Goodman
Professor of health care research at the Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire. For services to older people.
Sharon Manning
Cancer nurse specialist at Macmillan. For services to cancer patient care.
Huda Yassin Mohamed
Female genital mutilation specialist lead midwife at Whittington Health NHS Trust. For services to midwifery.
James Ian McLean
Deputy chief nurse of programme delivery at Health Education England. For services to nursing.
Karen Eleanor Spiers
Senior charge nurse at NHS Lanarkshire. For services to dementia care in hospital.
Belinda Alison Voos
Lately nurse consultant in paediatric neurosurgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust. For services to paediatric neurosurgical nursing.
Mary Elizabeth Woods
Lately nurse consultant at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. For services to lymphoedema patient care.
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)
Jill Elaine Crook
Director of nursing, professional and system development at NHS England (South West). For services to transforming care, learning disability and autism.
Llinos Edwards
Lately nurse team leader of the looked after children team, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. For services to vulnerable children in North Wales.
Monica Ann Johnston
Admission/discharge coordinator, neurosciences, Belfast Health and Social Care. For services to nursing and to the community in Northern Ireland.
Marino Teddy Michel Latour
Designated safeguarding professional, NHS South West London Integrated Care Board. For services to safeguarding adults.
Debra Ruth Veigas
End of life care Admiral nurse at Wakefield Hospice and Dementia UK. For services to people with dementia and to end of life care in Wakefield.
King’s Ambulance Service Medal (KAM)
Gail Wendy Herbert
Assistant director of quality nursing and patient experience, Welsh Ambulance Service.
Louise Victoria Walker
Ambulance education, training and engagement lead, Isle of Wight NHS Trust.
As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class
Staff sergeant Natalie Dawn Davies
Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps
Major Adam Gordon Hughes
Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps
Major Jennifer Elizabeth Jackson
Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, Army reserve
