Trust's role in world-leading research recognised as professors are awarded MBEs in New Year Honours

World-leading research involving University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust has been recognised in the New Year Honours.

Professor Gavin Perkins, a Non-executive Director (NED) at UHCW since 2023, has been awarded an MBE for services to Resuscitation Science.

There is also an MBE for University of Warwick Professor of Obstetrics and UHCW Honorary Consultant Siobhan Quenby for services to obstetrics research.

Widely recognised as a world leader in miscarriage and pre-term birth research, Professor Quenby has published more than 120 original articles and 22 chapters for academic books.

Her research aims to translate advances in basic science into new tests and treatments in order to understand and prevent pregnancy loss.

“The news was a complete shock but also a huge honour,” said Professor Quenby, who is also Deputy Director of the Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research. “It’s been difficult to keep it secret!

“I am proud of all the research that I have done over 30 years, that last 12 at UHCW working alongside an amazing team.

“I owe a lot to the fantastic patients who take part in studies and trials when they are going through so much.”

A leading exert in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), Professor Perkins has been undertaking and publishing resuscitation research for more than 30 years and has published 500-plus papers.

In November he took up the three-year term as President of the Resuscitation Council UK.

“I am delighted and extremely honoured to be receiving this award,” he said. "I have been privileged to work with fantastic colleagues across the UK and globally who have made this work possible. This award recognises their contribution.

“Resuscitation is an area of medicine that has been of interest since I was a teenager and am still very passionate about having the opportunity to improve outcomes for cardiac arrest patients.

“Messages of congratulations have been coming in which have been lovely to read and I’m really looking forward to collecting the award some time in 2025.”

Professor Perkins originally trained in general, respiratory and critical care medicine and works clinically as a Critical Care physician at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust and pre-hospital settings.

He sits on the board as the university nominated NED associated with his role as Dean of Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick.

Prior to taking up the role of Dean he served as Director of Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Director of Research for the Intensive Care Society and as a MERIT Consultant with West Midlands Ambulance Service for which he received the Queen’s Jubilee Medals for Pre-hospital Care.

In his academic role he leads large clinical trials to help identify the most effective treatments for people who become critically unwell.

Working with colleagues from across the UK, he also played a key role in the underpinning research which informed the Recommended Emergency Care Treatment Plans (ReSPECT).