12 June 2020
Dr Katherine Henderson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, has been awarded an MBE for services to Emergency Medicine during the pandemic, in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Dr Henderson, a consultant at St Thomas’ Hospital in London, became RCEM President in October 2019 and has led the specialty throughout the pandemic, leading calls to ensure there is extra capacity for Emergency Departments, staff have the protection they need, and patients are not put at risk.
The College’s ‘RCEM CARES during the Coronavirus pandemic’ campaign and its campaign to reset Emergency Care has reached policy makers and influenced thinking at the highest levels, with Dr Henderson providing a powerful voice for the specialty.
The award comes as recognition of this work during the NHS’ most difficult year so far.
Dr Henderson said: “I am very pleased to receive this honour which I consider to be for all the Emergency Medicine teams who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic.
“Emergency Departments have been there 24/7 for everyone who needed to see a doctor or nurse face to face in whatever medical emergency they found themselves in.
“The pandemic challenged our clinical skills, but we learnt fast. At the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, we used our national and international network to share information about how to manage patients, organise our departments and keep patients and staff safe. The College adapted guidelines, examinations, and conferences to keep our core business going and our workforce connected in these deeply difficult times.
“I am proud of my role as College President and proud of everyone who has been in the front line of care in our Emergency Departments. This award is a tribute to the incredible work of all in our specialty.”
