National achievements

A University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB) Specialist Physiotherapist has been awarded an MBE for Services to Physiotherapy as part of His Majesty The King's New Year's Honours in recognition of their tireless commitment and contributions to enhancing the lives of patients living with Parkinson's disease.

Fiona Lindop, 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.

After deciding that she wanted to work in physiotherapy at the age of 11, Fiona completed her studies at the School of Physiotherapy in Aberdeen and her passion has "never waivered" since she qualified.

Fiona said: "When I opened the envelope, which looked a lot different from the others I've received, I couldn’t believe what I was reading.

"I just feel so honoured and surprised - but I couldn't have done it without all the fantastic people I work with and all of my fantastic patients. It's all about teamwork."

Reflecting on her career, and her role in helping UHDB's Parkinson's service to gain international recognition, Fiona expressed her pride and again praised her colleagues who helped to first establish and to continue to build the service over the years:

"We built the Parkinsons service up from nothing. It evolved from what was originally a day hospital for the elderly and it has grown incredibly and helped so many people since.

"It was not just down to me but the whole team. I have a dream job because I work with a fantastic multi-disciplinary team of professionals, all from a variety of disciplines so that we are able to offer patients a holistic care package.

"No two people with Parkinson's disease are the same. Some will have symptoms that are best managed by a physiotherapist, while others will need to be seen by an occupational therapist, speech therapist, doctor or nurse, so it's all about working together seamlessly to ensure the patient at the centre of it gets the best care for them."

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.

Fiona explained: "During my time as an elderly care physio, the consultant I was working with suggested we see all of our Parkinson's patients on the same day. Back then, we didn’t have that many and we saw them once a month. He asked me to come up with an outcome measure on one page, which later became known as the Lindop Parkinson's Assessment Scale, which is now regularly used by physiotherapists all over the country. "

Fiona 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."

Garry Marsh, Executive Chief Nurse, said: "I am delighted to see Fiona's commitment to improving the lives and care for people living with Parkinson's disease in our local communities recognised with this honour. It is clear that her passion and innovation have touched the lives of many, not just in Derbyshire, but nationally too.

"Fiona is a central figure in our Parkinson's team and has been influential in helping to propel the care our patients receive to the highest standards - as recognised on two occasions by the Parkinson's Foundation who designated the service Centre of Excellence status. On behalf of everyone at UHDB, I would like to congratulate Fiona on this wonderful achievement."

Fiona will be presented with her MBE at a special ceremony in 2024.