Physiotherapist Fiona receives MBE for her commitment to those living with Parkinson's Disease
Congratulations to Fiona Lindop, a Specialist Physiotherapist at Florence Nightingale Community Hospital, who has been awarded an MBE for Services to Physiotherapy as part of His Majesty The King's New Year's Honours, in recognition of her tireless commitment and contributions to enhancing the lives of patients living with Parkinson's disease.
Fiona, who has worked at the Trust since 1992, has had a huge impact on improving the care and treatment on offer for patients, and has played a pivotal role in UHDB being designated as a Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence on two occasions - becoming one of only two centres in the UK to achieve such status.
Fiona was joined by her family at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, April 9, where she was awarded the MBE by The Princess Royal.
Fiona said: "The investiture was the most wonderful day. My son flew in from Canada especially for the occasion and I was also able to take my husband, daughter Hannah (who is also a physiotherapist) and her husband.
"It was such an honour to be awarded the MBE from The Princess Royal and in such a regal setting.
"I feel like this MBE is also for the fantastic Parkinson's multi-disciplinary team in Derby and all people affected by Parkinson's that I work with."
Fiona's career has left a legacy not just at UHDB, but nationally. An assessment framework, which is used frequently used across the NHS to assess the mobility of people with Parkinson's disease, has been named after her following her role in its inception. She is also currently mentoring a researcher in Germany and she credits the support of her colleagues and the Trust for giving her the platform to develop, progress her career and achieve milestones, including her MBE.
Fiona said: "I love what I do and UHDB has given me a fantastic platform. I've been in the NHS for a very long time and I've seen lots of changes, but I've never felt discouraged because I have always been able to help make such a difference to people in our communities.
"I am really grateful for the career I have had and to have it recognised with an MBE is just the icing on the cake."
Today, April 11 is World Parkinson's Day. Fiona will be appearing on BBC East Midlands Today, talking about her career and her MBE, later today.