We are delighted that Dr Kathy McLean, Executive Medical Director and Chief Operating Officer for NHS Improvement has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her services to leadership across the NHS.

‘I feel very proud and privileged to have been awarded an OBE in the Birthday Honours.

‘I have worked with many brilliant people throughout my career and this honour recognises that team work, which has always had a strong focus on improving care and outcomes for patients.

‘As NHS Improvement continues its joint work with NHS England to create and support coherent leadership across the system, long may this focus continue.

‘I would like to thank those who I have had the privilege to work with over the years, as well as my loving family for their support, inspiration and understanding.

Dr Kathy McLean OBE, Executive Medical Director and Chief Operating Officer, NHS Improvement

‘This is a tremendous achievement for Kathy and it is thoroughly deserved.

‘I am pleased that her contribution to the NHS, and in particular her focus on improving quality by building clinical leadership and expertise across the system has been recognised in this way.

Ian Dalton, Chief Executive, NHS Improvement

Kathy has been Executive Medical Director of NHS Improvement since its inception in April 2016 and prior to that, she was the Medical Director of its predecessor organisation – the NHS Trust Development Authority.

Her career in the NHS spans 35 years, starting out as a junior doctor in Royal Lancaster Infirmary in 1983 before progressing to become a senior registrar and consultant, specialising in geriatric and general medicine.

Kathy has held a number of senior leadership positions, including as Medical Director at Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and then as Medical Director at East Midlands Strategic Health Authority. Also, she was the Clinical Transitions Director, working with Sir Bruce Keogh to establish the NHS Commissioning Board (now NHS England).