MBE for doctor who helped transform cancer care across Nottinghamshire

A doctor who helped to transform the way people receive care across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire is to receive an MBE in the first King’s Birthday Honours to be awarded following the Coronation of King Charles III, it has been announced today (Friday 16 June).

Dr Andy Haynes worked across the county'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.

A Haematologist by background, he went on to become Cancer Lead in Nottingham to shape how cancer services are provided in the county.

As part of this work, he helped to bring a Maggie's Centre to support patients in the county, as well as furthering the county’s use of pioneering Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging to aid diagnosis and treatment.

He also helped to establish the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care System (ICS), initially as Clinical Lead then later as Executive Lead until his retirement in 2021.

Following his retirement, Dr Haynes continued to serve patients as a Specialist Non-Executive Advisor to the Board at Sherwood Forest Hospitals and as a Non-Executive Director at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

“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 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.

“What I am most proud of is how the spirit of the changes that were introduced some years ago have been sustained and built upon by both organisations long after my own retirement.

“It is that legacy that I am most proud of and I am so humbled to have been recognised in this way.”

The recognition for Dr Haynes has also been welcomed by healthcare leaders across the county.

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.”

Dr Keith Girling, Medical Director at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “On behalf of Nottingham University Hospitals, I would like to congratulate Dr Haynes on this very well-deserved recognition for his years of service to Nottinghamshire patients and colleagues.

“Dr Haynes was an outstanding clinician who worked tirelessly to transform cancer care and emergency services for patients and their families across Nottingham.

“He was a highly-respected, trusted and valued member of Team NUH for 25 years, and a real credit to the profession. I know that everyone will be delighted for him on this fantastic news.”

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.”

Richard Mitchell, Chief Executive at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said: “‘Our congratulations go to Dr Haynes on this deserved achievement.

“As well as his considerable work to improve patient care in Nottinghamshire, he provides an expert voice on our Board as a non-executive in Leicester. The breadth of experience he brings is hugely valued by us all.’

Dr Haynes is due to officially be presented his MBE at a special ceremony at a later date.