News

14th June 2004

Child healthcare specialists honoured by Queen

Dozens of healthcare workers have been honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours List including doctors at the forefront of child health.

Professor Alan Craft, chair of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has been knighted while two of the specialists who cared for the Countess of Wessex when her daughter was born prematurely have also been honoured.

The two doctors at Frimley Park who cared for Sophie and her daughter, obstetrician David Beynon and paediatrician Karyn Maltby, have been made Lieutenants of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO).

Professor Craft, who has led research treatments in children's cancer over the last 28 years, said he was 'somewhat surprised, but delighted' to be knighted. In 1976 he was a founder of the UK Children's Cancer Group, when only 35% of children with cancer could be cured, compared to 75% now.

A lot of frontline NHS staff and leading health experts have also been honoured. However, Mr Benyon, obstetrician to the Countess of Wessex said, "A lot of people were involved who won't be getting an award. It's a recognition, not for me personally, but that the NHS can do something positive.

"The care the Countess had reflects how good the care is in that situation for any mum and baby."

The Countess was rushed to Frimley Park Hospital last November where she underwent an emergency Caesarean Section to deliver Lady Louise Windsor several weeks early, weighing under 5lb.

• Is it could to see child healthcare workers honoured by the Queen?Share your feelings in Discuss, Debate and Deliberate