NHS chairman knighted in honours

A key figure in healthcare in the East of England over the last four years has been knighted in the Queen's Birthday honours.

Keith Pearson, of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, chairman until last month of NHS East of England, has been honoured for services to healthcare.

Sir Neil McKay, chief executive of NHS East of England, praised his work.

He said Mr Pearson's passion and knowledge from his business career had helped improve the NHS in the region.

Mr Pearson was chair of the NHS East of England since its creation in 2006 until May 2010 when he became chair of the NHS Confederation.

Sir Neil McKay added: "Keith took our local NHS by the scruff of the neck when the strategic health authority (NHS EoE) was formed and led us from £275m debt to £168m surplus in four years.

Sarah Boulton, interim chair of NHS East of England, said: "I am delighted that Keith's public service has been recognised in this way.

"His championing of a patient-led and clinically driven NHS is inspirational."

Professor Colin Humphreys, an expert in metals at Cambridge University, was also knighted for his services to physics.

While Professor Martin Shirley, of Cambridgeshire, director of the Institute for Animal Health, was appointed CBE for services to science.

Jennifer Kartupelis, of Cambridge, director of the East of England Faiths Council, was appointed MBE for services to inter-faith relations.