Two GP commissioning champions and Pulse contributors were among a host of GPs recognised by the Queen in the New Year's Honours List.
Dr James Kingsland, a GP in Wallasey, Merseyside and the President of the National Association of Primary Care, and Dr Paul Zollinger-Read, a GP in Braintree, Essex and Department of Health lead on pathfinder learning development, are among seven current and former GPs to receive awards in the 2012 honours list.
Dr Kingsland, who has also advised the DH on the transition to GP commissioning as national clinical lead with the NHS Clinical Commissioning Community, was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for ‘services to general practice'. Dr Zollinger-Read, a former chief executive of NHS Cambridgeshire who writes the Pulse blog Notes from the Dark Side, was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for ‘services to the NHS'.
Dr Kingsland, who pens the Dispatches from the commissioning frontline column for Pulse, said:‘Delighted would be an understatement. I'm very honoured, particular that the OBE was for services to general practice. Of course the award is not just for the individual but is also recognition of support from colleagues, friends and indeed family over the years. It is a fantastic honour.'
Other practising GPs honoured include Professor Ruth Chambers, a GP in Stoke-on-Trent, who was awarded an OBE for ‘services to primary care' and Dr Gabriel Obukohwo Ivbijaro, a GP in Walthamstow, northeast London and medical director of Waltham Forest Community and Family Health Service, who received an MBE ‘for services to the NHS'.
Dr Hasmukh Joshi, a former GP and current RCGP council member, received an MBE for ‘services to medical education'. Recently-retired Northumberland GP Dr Bill Cunningham received an MBE for ‘services to primary care' and Dr Peter Gordon, a former GP in Northamptonshire and police medical adviser, received an MBE ‘for services to emergency care'.
