Western Trust staff honoured in Queen's Birthday Honours List

by Gráinne Connolly

The Western Trust's Executive Director of Nursing and Consultant Cardiologist have been honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. 

Alan Corry Finn, Executive Director of Nursing and Director of Primary Care and Older People's Services for the Western Trust was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to healthcare and the voluntary sector for over 40 years. 

Alan Corry Finn - received MBE.

Meanwhile, Professer Mahendra Varma, recently retired Consultant Physician and Cardiologist received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to healthcare in Northern Ireland. 

Professor Mahendra Varma - received an OBE.

Chief Executive of the Western Trust, Elaine Way, CBE extendeed her congratulations to them both: 

"This honour is truly deserved by Alan who has always put patients at the centre of all his work. 

"Throughout his career Alan provided strong professional leadership and advocated passionately for nursing and midwifery and the development of nursing services. 

"As a nurse, Alan was always keen to hear what was happening on the front line and because of this was highly valued by the staff he led.

"I extend congratulations to Alan for this well-deserved recognition for his contribution over the last 40 years to health and social care and to the voluntary sector, including the Northern Ireland Hospice."

Following the announcement Alan said: 

I am very surprised and most appreciative to receive this honour recognising my contribution to healthcare and to the Northern Ireland Hospice. 

It is humbling to be given such an honour for doing a job that I have enjoyed so much. 

"It has been an honour leading nurses who are so passionate about their roles and committed to ensuring patients experience high quality services. 

"Throughout my career I have had the most supportive family and network of friends and colleagues. My wife Anne and family have always encouraged me to go the extra mile in my working life and I thank them sincerely for that."

Mrs Way also paid tribute to Professor Varma saying: 

"I am absolutely delighted that Professor Varma has been awarded this honour. 

"He is a dedicated clinician and has made an exceptional contribution to health and social care. 

"Professor Varma has been a wonderful ambassador for his profession and for the Western Trust for very many years."

Professor Varma joined the medical staff of the Erne Hospital in 1982 as a Consultant Cardiology, Diabetes and General Internal Medicine.

He has made contributions to the voluntary sector through the NI Coronary Prevention Group and his 27 years membership of the Council of NI Chest, Heart and Stroke organisation in which he has served a term of 10 years as Chairman and continues as Chair of the Board.

He was also instrumental in the years of planning and commissioning of the South West Acute Hospital.