UHDB colleague Mike Conway awarded MBE in King's New Year’s Honours
We are delighted to announce that one of our respected and well-known colleagues is to be recognised in the first King’s New Year’s Honours List.
Mike Conway, who is part of our UHDB Derbyshire Pathology team has been awarded the MBE by King Charles III for Services to Anatomical Pathology Technology.
Mike, Service Manager for Mortuary, Post-Mortem Examination & Medical Examiner Services joined the NHS as a temporary porter in London before beginning his planned course at university. Mike visited the mortuary as part of his duties and his interest was established. From there he began a career at the local public mortuary in Haringey, London, where he obtained the Certificate in Anatomical Pathology Technology. Mike then moved onto a senior position at the Lister Hospital in Stevenage, where he worked for more than 16 years before moving to Chesterfield.
Alongside responsibility for the management of the Mortuary, Mike oversees post-mortem examinations and Medical Examiner’s Office Services for the Trust, HM Coroner and the community.
Although part of the Derbyshire Pathology team at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, Mike is based at Chesterfield and has worked here for more than 20 years. He has been responsible for refurbishing the mortuary – ensuring that the facilities are up to date and of a high standard for the technicians and Medical Examiners.
Mike also is highly trained in major incident and mass fatality planning and response and has been part of multi-agency response teams, helping to recover and identify bodies from major incidents including the Potters Bar rail crash, the Asian tsunami, the London bombings, and the Tunisian shootings. Mike was involved in deploying staff to respond the Shoreham air crash, the Manchester Arena bombing and Grenfell Tower incident. He also currently works with the College of Policing to train Police Officers to a higher level as Police Mortuary Operation Coordinators.
Mike said: “When I found out, I was dumbfounded, but I am truly humbled. This is not just for me but for the families and loved ones that I have met over the years. Everyone deserves dignity and care, and I am so proud to have been able to deliver this and support loved ones in their hour of need. This job is a labour of love for me, and I am deeply honoured to accept this. I would like to thank whoever nominated me and those who have supported me through my career.”
Chris Ainger, Derbyshire Pathology General Manager said: “I am so delighted for Mike that he is to be honoured in this way. His empathy, compassion and dedication has been widely recognised in the thanks he receives from families who have been supported by him during their most difficult days. He is a respected, trusted, and valued colleague, who is a credit to the profession. Congratulations Mike on this well-deserved recognition!”
Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive at Chesterfield Royal Hospital said: “This is incredible news, and I would like to congratulate Mike on this recognition. I have known Mike for many years and on a personal level know how much he cares and supports those around him; always conducting himself with discretion, care and understanding. The NHS prides itself on being an organisation that cares for people from cradle to grave and Mike’s sensitivity, knowledge, and compassion - whether it be in caring for deceased patients, or their loved ones – ensures that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Mike is a respected and valued member of the team at Chesterfield Royal Hospital and I know that everyone will be delighted for Mike on the news today.”