A KINVER doctor who has played a central role in the NHS’ fight against Covid in the Black Country has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours.

Dr Paul Harrison has been in charge of Covid testing of tens of thousands of patients in hospitals across Dudley, Sandwell, Wolverhampton and Walsall.

He and his ‘swabbing hub’ team have been working flat out to ensure results of Covid tests were turned around quickly and accurately through two waves of the virus.

He has also been responsible for one of the biggest antibody testing programmes of patients and staff in the UK.

The hub has risen to the challenge of the pandemic because of previous work Dr Harrison had done in integrating the pathology departments of four NHS trusts into one central Black Country Pathology Service (BCPS) in 2018.

But it his work during the crisis that has particularly earned him his honour.

Dr Harrison, who is Clinical Director of BCPS, said: “I was really surprised and delighted.

“It has been a very busy but rewarding two and a half years leading the pathology services and during that time we have seen a huge amount of changes.

“With these improvements it has meant we have managed to cope better with the challenges COVID-19 has brought and we now deliver a better service for our patients.

“However we could not have made these improvements and be where we are today without the incredible team I represent. They work extremely hard processing test results for tens of thousands of patients each year and form a vital part of the healthcare workforce. It is a privilege to work alongside them.”

Steve Field CBE, Chair of Royal Wolverhampton Trust, said: “He was worked so hard under extremely stressful and demanding circumstances over the last nine months to ensure that all the requirements placed on the laboratory have been maintained and test results delivered as quickly as possible.

“Paul has made an exceptional contribution. His role as Pathology Incident Director, which is very demanding, has meant we have been at the forefront of local and national strategic decision making.

“His work this year cannot be overstated.”

The full list of local award winners

OBE

Christine Ann Hill. Headteacher, Westminster School, Rowley Regis. For services to Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. (Stourbridge, West Midlands)

MBE

Dr Paul Harrison. Clinical Director, Black Country Pathology Services. For services to Pathology in the West Midlands, particularly during the Covid-19 Response. (Stourbridge, West Midlands)

Janet Olwen Lear. Founder and Headteacher, Black Country Wheels School, Stourbridge. For services to Education in the West Midlands. (Halesowen, West Midlands)

Haleema Yousaf. Team Leader, Fair Access and School Exclusions, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council. For services to Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. (Solihull, West Midlands)

BEM

Louise Hadley. Section Manager, Marks and Spencer. For services to Customers and the community in Harborne, Birmingham during the Covid-19 Response. (Stourbridge, West Midlands)