Health Minister Robin Swann has congratulated health and social care staff who have been recognised in the New Year Honours list for 2022.
There are a number of staff recognised across a variety of disciplines including Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Primary Care and the Department of Health. People working in voluntary and charitable roles providing support for community health and wellbeing have also been honoured.
The Minister said: “This New Year Honours list marks the achievements and service of extraordinary people across Northern Ireland. It offers an opportunity to salute their dedication and recognise many who have gone above and beyond in their contribution to health and social care.
“We have just come to the end of another year that has truly tested the resolve and determination of staff on the frontline of the HSC and those in vital administrative and management roles. I know I speak for everyone when I offer my sincere thanks and congratulations to all who have received New Year Honours.”
Among those honoured this year is Richard Pengelly, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Service, and Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health, who has been made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) for services to Health and to the Government.
Minister Swann commented: “I have worked closely with Richard since I became Health Minister almost two years ago. He has worked tirelessly and with great dedication in an extremely challenging role and I am grateful for his resolute commitment during the most testing time for our health service.
“I am delighted that staff at all levels in the HSC, and many others who perform important voluntary and community work, are being recognised in this special way. Throughout the pandemic, so many have made sacrifices to protect our health service and save people’s lives and the New Year Honours are a welcome reminder of their contribution, resilience, courage and compassion.”
Notes to editors:
- Richard Pengelly was appointed as the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health on 1 July 2014. Prior to this Richard‘s previous post was as the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Regional Development (DRD) now the Department of Infrastructure. He is a Chartered Accountant, and before joining the Department for Finance and Personnel in 1998 he worked in the Northern Ireland Audit Office and in private accounting practice. He also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from Warwick University.
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