A doctor from Kinver has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours after playing a key role in the regions fight against Covid-19.

Dr Paul Harrison is in charge of Covid testing for tens of thousands of patients in hospitals across Dudley, Sandwell, Wolverhampton and Walsall.

He and his ‘swabbing hub’ team have been working flat out to ensure results of Covid tests were turned around quickly and accurately through two waves of the virus. He has also been responsible for one of the biggest antibody testing programmes of patients and staff in the UK.

Dr Harrison's previous work saw him integrating the pathology departments of four NHS trusts into one central Black Country Pathology Service in 2018. But it his work during the crisis that has particularly earned him his honour. Dr Harrison, who is Clinical Director of BCPS, said:

“I was really surprised and delighted. It has been a very busy but rewarding two and a half years leading the pathology services and during that time we have seen a huge amount of changes.

“With these improvements it has meant we have managed to cope better with the challenges COVID-19 has brought and we now deliver a better service for our patients.

“However we could not have made these improvements and be where we are today without the incredible team I represent. They work extremely hard processing test results for tens of thousands of patients each year and form a vital part of the healthcare workforce. It is a privilege to work alongside them.”

Other local award winners include Christine Hill, Headteacher at Westminster School in Rowley Regis, who's been given an OBE for services to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Janet Lear, founder and Headteacher at Black Country Wheels School in Stourbridge has been awarded an MBE for services to education in the West Midlands and Haleema Yousaf from Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council has been awarded her MBE for services to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities

A British Empire Medal has also been awarded to Louise Hadley, a section manager at Marks and Spencer, for services to customers and the community in Harborne.