THE former chairman of a specialist orthopaedic hospital in Gobowen has been honoured by the Queen for her Platinum Jubilee birthday honours list.

Frank Collins – former chairman of The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) – has been named an OBE in the latest Honours list unveiled to mark the Queen’s 70 years on the throne.

Mr Collins chaired the Gobowen-based hospital for seven years, taking the post on in February 2015 before stepping down at the end of January this year.

In that time, he played a key leadership role in helping the organisation to overcome some significant hurdles and become established as one of the most highly-regarded hospitals in the country – rated as Good overall and Outstanding for care by the Care Quality Commission.

He is now made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of his service to the NHS, and says he was both shocked and honoured to receive the accolade.

He said: “I was completely surprised to receive a letter telling me that I am to receive an OBE, but I was also honoured and delighted.

“In accepting this award, I recognise the contribution that so many people at RJAH have made to the delivery of outstanding patient care.

“RJAH is truly a very special place, and it was a privilege to serve as its chairman for as long as I did.

"This honour is for everyone who works there.”

The announcement has been welcomed by leaders at the specialist orthopaedic hospital, who have been quick to offer their congratulations.

His successor, Harry Turner, added: “This honour is richly deserved.

“Frank has worked tirelessly on behalf of patients and staff. RJAH and the NHS as a whole is a better place for his efforts and I am delighted that this has been recognised.”

Stacey Keegan, substantive interim chief executive of the hospital, added: “Frank was a huge support to me personally as I took my first steps into the role of being an NHS chief executive.

“I have seen how hard he works to support his colleagues, and how committed he is to putting the processes in place necessary to deliver the highest standards of patient care.

"I can think of no-one more fitting to receive this award, and offer him my warmest congratulations.”