Mr Andy Welch, Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive has been awarded an OBE for his services to healthcare and patients in the New Year’s Honours list.
Andy has been Medical Director at Newcastle Hospitals, one of the UK’s largest and most successful NHS trusts, for the last decade. As Newcastle’s senior medic he is responsible for every aspect of care, quality and safety for the 1.7million patient contacts that take place every year.
Through his 45-year career Andy has specialised in Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgery, focussing particularly on treating adults and children with cancer and other complex needs.
He has led the development of many innovative services for the 3.1m people in the North East & North Cumbria including leading the creation of the first multi-disciplinary team for head and neck cancer management in the UK. He continues to be influential in bringing major research infrastructure to the region.
Andy is also chair of the Northern Cancer Alliance, the clinical network for regional cancer services, where he works to ensure that people with all types of cancer in the North East and north Cumbria receive the highest quality care.
During the pandemic, Andy led the operational and clinical response from Newcastle Hospitals from the day that the trust treated the first patients in the UK with COVID-19 and throughout.
He is ever-present across the hospitals, always ensuring that frontline teams are listened to and supported so that they can provide the very best patient care.
Andy said:
“I am incredibly honoured to have been recognised by His Majesty. This award is a tribute to the many thousands of staff that I’ve worked with over the last 45 years who focus on our patients before themselves every single day. I truly believe that Newcastle Hospitals is one of the best in the world and it’s a huge privilege to a part of this team.”
Dame Jackie Daniel, Chief Executive of Newcastle Hospitals said:
“Andy is a respected leader in Newcastle and among his colleagues nationally and regionally, always ensuring that patients’ needs are put first and foremost. The whole team will be proud to see him honoured in this way. He is a valued colleague and an asset to the NHS.”
