Runcorn GP receives MBE for pioneering health services

Former Brookvale GP Dr Cliff Richards, 62, was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours for his influential role in improving the holistic health and wellbeing of residents.

He has always believed that lifestyle and environment play a key role in making people feel better.

As chairman of NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group he steered Halton to become the first place in England where all GP practices are connected to community support services.

Thousands of patients now lead healthy and fulfilling lives without the need for clinical intervention.

His trailblazing approach to integrate wellbeing services is now being replicated across the country.

Dr Richards has also strengthened links between Halton Carers Centre and GPs, enabling 10,000 carers to receive help and advice.

As a GP advisor and clinical lead for the Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Network, he was the first GP in the country to implement peer reviews of cancer services.

Dr Richards said: “I am very proud to be named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. I am delighted that my contribution has been considered significant enough to be rewarded in this way.

“Over the years I have tried to improve health services and for this to be recognised is extremely humbling.”

Under his leadership, two new Urgent Care Centres were created to reduce demand on accident and emergency departments, while a £1.6 million investment from the Prime Minister’s Challenge Fund is transforming GP services.

A well-respected figure in the NHS, Dr Richards often chairs clinical quality and governance reviews for various healthcare organisations and recently helped to improve standards in hospitals.

Simon Banks, chief officer of NHS Halton CCG, said: “Cliff has a unique mix of clinical knowledge and experience, humility and humanity that enables him to connect with people.

“He is highly regarded as an inspirational leader not only in Halton but across Cheshire and Merseyside and beyond.”