Three current and former colleagues connected to University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours, highlighting the global impact of work taking place in Leicester across clinical care, research, and scientific innovation.
Professor Melanie Davies CBE has been named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her international leadership in diabetes care and research, Professor André Ng has been awarded an MBE for services to medical research and healthcare, and former consultant embryologist Jane Blower has also been awarded an MBE for her outstanding contribution to reproductive science.
Richard Mitchell, Chief Executive of University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group, said: “These honours recognise three remarkable individuals whose work has made a lasting difference to patients, colleagues, and communities here in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and far beyond.
“Each of them has shown an extraordinary commitment to improving lives, not only through their own expertise but by supporting and inspiring others around them. Together, they represent the best of what we stand for – a shared commitment to working together and always striving to deliver the highest standards of care with kindness and respect. We are incredibly proud of them.”
Reflecting on her award, Dame Melanie said the honour recognised the collective effort of colleagues and collaborators throughout her career. She highlighted the importance of teamwork behind the Leicester Diabetes Centre’s success and her ongoing motivation to improve care for people living with diabetes: “I work with a fantastic team at the Leicester Diabetes Centre, and this recognition reflects not only my own journey, but what we have achieved together as a team.”
Leading Cardiologist, Professor Ng, described himself as “humbled and deeply honoured” to receive his MBE, emphasising it reflects the contributions of colleagues and teams across the University of Leicester, the NHS and beyond who are working together to translate discovery into better care and improved patient outcomes: “This recognition reflects the contributions of many outstanding colleagues and teams with whom I have had the privilege to work at the University of Leicester, the British Cardiovascular Society and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.”
Jane Blower said she was grateful for the recognition, which she sees as a reflection of the many colleagues she worked alongside over decades. She spoke of her pride in helping to establish the Leicester Fertility Centre, the impact the service has had on patients, and her passion for supporting and inspiring the next generation of reproductive scientists: “I’m so proud of the colleagues I trained over the years, who have helped to build the flourishing service that exists in Leicester today. What is important now is that we encourage and inspire the next generation of reproductive scientists, to carry the profession forward.”
Congratulations to Dame Melanie, Professor Ng and Jane on these well-deserved honours.