Caroline RobinsonSouth West
A former medical director is among medical professionals who have been recognised in the King’s 2026 New Year Honours list.
Medical professionals across NHS England South West were recognised for services to healthcare, including two from Cornwall.
Dr Michael Marsh, NHS England’s former South West Medical Director, was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contribution over many years to healthcare and public service.
Sue Doheny, interim regional director for NHS England in the South West, said: “This honour reflects Michael’s exceptional leadership, clinical expertise, and long-standing commitment to improving patient care across the NHS.”
‘Joy and a privilege’
“We warmly congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition, ” she added.
Dr Marsh worked as medical director for NHS England South West – which covers Cornwall, Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Bath, Wiltshire, West Bristol, Somerset and Gloucestershire – from 2019 to 2025.
NHS England said Dr Marsh began as a consultant in paediatric intensive care at Guy’s Hospital, London, before establishing the first paediatric intensive care (PICU) at University Hospital Southampton.
He became medical director at Southampton before moving to NHS England in 2015, it added.
Dr Michael Marsh said: “My entire career has been a joy and a privilege, firstly as a paediatrician caring for our most vulnerable and sickest patients, and as a medical leader improving services for the wider public.”
NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care BoardOther recipients of NHS-related honours in the South West included Dr Neil Walden, non-executive director at NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB).
He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to healthcare.
Dr Walden said: “I am deeply humbled and proud to receive this honour in recognition of the work of many dedicated colleagues towards integrated health and care in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”
Dr Walden worked as a GP and partner at Marazion Surgery until his retirement from practice in 2019.
Since his retirement Dr Walden has continued to “play a pivotal role” in shaping integrated care across the region, the ICB said.
The chair of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB and NHS Devon ICB, John Govett, said: “This honour is a fitting tribute to his dedication and leadership over many years” and reflected his continuing impact.
Stephen Farbrother, 74, and a volunteer community first responder with South Western Ambulance Service, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of outstanding dedication and service to his local community in Cornwall.
Christopher Charles Mann, operations officer at the South Western Ambulance Service, has been awarded a King’s Ambulance Service Medal England.
