New Year's Honours for chief social worker and 'extraordinary' nurse

This year’s New Year’s Honours list includes Simon Stevens, chief executive of the NHS and Professor Sally Davies, former chief medical officer, as well as an “extraordinary” nurse who taught herself to read and write.

Professor Dame Sally Davies, the former chief medical officer, has been awarded the Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath and was praised for being a “role model for women leaders in science, medicine, and the civil service”.

NHS chief executive Simon Stevens received a knighthood and chief social worker, Lyn Romeo was awarded a CBE.

In addition, a nurse who left school at the age of nine to look after her dying grandmother and went on to get three degrees has been appointed an MBE.

Paulette Bolton, from Sutton Coldfield, who emigrated to Britain from Jamaica at the age of 15 and taught herself to read and write using English dictionaries, was recognised for services to patient care.

The 68-year-old was nominated by her daughter Tonya who said she had “extraordinary strength of character” and praised her “outstanding contributions to drastically advancing patient care”.

First ever World Dementia Envoy made Knight Bachelor

Another person who featured on the list was Dr Dennis Gillings, the first ever World Dementia Envoy, who was named Knight Bachelor in the New Year’s Honours list, in recognition of his services to the advancement of dementia and life sciences.

Dr Gillings was appointed World Dementia Envoy in 2014 in the wake of the G8 dementia summit, and was instrumental in setting up the World Dementia Council to take forward the ambitions laid out at the summit.

Ian Wilson, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: "Alzheimer’s Research UK is delighted to see Dr Dennis Gillings recognised for his work in support of dementia research. At a critical time for the dementia research field, Dr Gillings helped kick-start the Dementia Discovery Fund, the world’s first investment fund aimed at discovering a disease-modifying treatment for dementia. His efforts as the world’s first ever Dementia Envoy were critical in ensuring that governments across the globe maintained their focus on the challenge posed by dementia."

Governor at Royal Star & Garter awarded MBE

Also on the list was a long-standing governor at veteran care provider, Royal Star & Garter, Air Vice-Marshal Simon Dougherty who has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

He said: “I was absolutely astounded and delighted. I spent my career in the air force initially as a doctor and later at higher management levels but the objective was always to look after people. I’m delighted to be part of Royal Star & Garter, a charity which shares my passion to care for our military family.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: "It’s fantastic to see so many of our incredible NHS and social care staff recognised for their incredible achievements.

“In particular, Professor Dame Sally Davies had an extraordinary impact during her time as Chief Medical Officer, including her revolutionary efforts in the fight against antimicrobial resistance and leading the UK’s response to recent health emergencies. I’m delighted her unfaltering determination to improve the nation’s health is being celebrated.

“I love the NHS and am immensely proud of the incredible work it does. I want to thank Simon Stevens for his excellent work over the last five years and congratulate him on being recognised for that.”

Minister for Care Caroline Dinenage added: “I’m delighted to see health and social care sector staff get the recognition and thanks they so rightfully deserve.

“Lyn Romeo has worked tirelessly to raise the profile of social work and social care, making a real difference to people’s lives across the UK, and I want to congratulate her.”