A former South Eastern Trust ward manager from Newcastle has been included in the King’s New Year Honours List as a Member of the Order of the British Empire. Ray Kendall from Newcastle, who is 64 years old, will receive an MBE for services to nursing and healthcare for older people.
He told the Mourne Observer: “I was both overwhelmed and delighted to have received this award. I felt both privileged and honoured to work as a nurse and nurse manager with the older persons within the Ulster Hospital, and throughout my career I had the most fantastic group of staff that anyone could wish for. They always worked tirelessly towards giving the best possible care. Their support and dedication throughout my career was second to none and I feel that this award is as much for them as for myself.”
The former ward manager for the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust has had a long and distinguished career of service. He was praised by his former employers for his commitment, leadership and compassion.
Commenting on the news of Ray’s inclusion in the list, the local health Trust stated: “The South Eastern Trust is delighted to learn that former Ward Manager, Ray Kendall, has been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours List with the award of a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Ray dedicated many years of service to health and social care and was widely respected for his leadership, professionalism and commitment to patient care. Throughout his career with the South Eastern Trust, Ray made a lasting impact on patients, families and colleagues.”
South Eastern Trust chief executive Roisin Coulter congratulated Ray on his award. “I am absolutely delighted that Ray has been recognised with an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours,” she said. “This honour is very much deserved and reflects the positive difference Ray made to the lives of patients and to colleagues across the Trust. The Trust congratulates Ray on this remarkable achievement.”
Director of Unscheduled Care, Medicine & Cancer Services, Marc Neil, added: “I would like to congratulate Ray on being awarded an MBE. Ray’s commitment, leadership and compassion throughout his career as a Ward Manager have had a lasting impact on patients, colleagues and services across the Trust. Ray made a particular impact on the care of older people when in hospital and we are grateful for the legacy he has left in the services we now provide. This award is richly deserved and reflects the respect and admiration in which Ray is held by everyone who had the privilege of working with him.”
Notably, in 2020 during the Covid pandemic, Ray was working on one of Northern Ireland’s main Covid wards. During that time, a book that he illustrated in 2012, called ‘The Clean Hand Book’, which advised children how to wash their hands properly, was re-released. Ray is also well known in football circles and has played local soccer into his 60s.
