The old chief executive of East Lancashire Hospitals Trust has been awarded an OBE for his services.

Kevin McGee has been recognised in the Queen's New Year's Honours list with an Order of the British Empire for his services to the NHS with East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) and Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Kevin McGee said: “It’s a huge honour to have received the Order of the British Empire and to be named alongside so many inspiring individuals, many of whom work for the NHS.

“I’m very privileged to have had a varied and extensive career within the health care system, but the biggest reward is being able to work with so many amazing staff and partners who are dedicated to ensuring that we provide the very best health care services for the local populations of Lancashire and South Cumbria particularly during this pandemic.”

The citation for Kevin's honour was submitted by the Chairman of ELHT, Professor Eileen Fairhurst for his many years of service in the NHS.

Kevin is also chief executive for the Provider Collaborative of Lancashire and South Cumbria, which helps to plan, deliver and transform local services.

He has had an extensive NHS career, with over 20 years’ experience working at a leadership level; with a specific background in finance and significant expertise in developing integrated working across health and care systems.

Prof. Fairhurst said: “I am so pleased that Kevin is to receive an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.

"Kevin has dedicated significant energy and focus to the NHS at Executive level in some of the most challenged organisations for more than two decades – and has made the most enormous difference to the quality of services, safety and patient experience.

"On behalf of all of us at ELHT I want to congratulate Kevin on this well-deserved honour. It is wonderful to see his commitment to improving patient care and his compassionate and conscientious leadership being recognised in this way."

Kevin is now the chief executive of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals after leaving East Lancashire in September of this year.

Professor Ebrahim Adia, Chairman at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “On behalf of everyone at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, I would like to wholeheartedly congratulate Kevin on receiving an OBE – this is a significant achievement and thoroughly deserved.

“Kevin has been and continues to be an exemplary health care leader, and I would like to thank him for all he has done to improve the health care system across Lancashire to benefit our local communities.”