As BSH 2026 in Liverpool closes we would like to share our gratitude with Dr Sue Pavord, who has stepped down as BSH President after completing her two year term.
She set up and co-chaired the Obstetric Haematology Special Interest Group from 2001 to 2021. Sue served one term as an ordinary trustee from 2003.
Sue’s boundless energy has helped us take strides forward. When she was nominated to be Vice- President at the 2022 election she named inclusivity and outreach as her key drivers.
She has held fast to these aims helping to grow and diversify BSH membership to over 3,500 while simultaneously leading a charge to drop the term non-malignant haematology to more accurately reflect the seriousness of all haematological conditions and specialties. This was recently recognised with a paper published in the British Journal of Haematology Medical Haematology; Repositioning Haematology at the Centre of Medicine – a major step towards increased recognition of our field as central to the delivery of effective healthcare services.
Picking up the mantel from Josh Wright she drove forward follow-on research into the haematology workforce discovering that over 50% of doctors consult a haematologist every day. With this evidence she has worked with RCPath to ensure liaison haematology is included in work plans – making hidden work visible. Taking steps to address this in a practical setting she has worked with volunteers to develop practical ‘Advice & Guidance’ recommendations that make liaison activity visible, measurable and resourced. These volunteer led tools will help secure fairer job planning, reduce unnecessary appointments, and improve patient care.
When we were called on to respond to a regulation 28 prevention of future deaths notice after the tragic death of Millie Rideout, Sue drove through actions to support meaningful change after surveying trainees, hospital trusts and patients. Her work led to a new guideline, implementation of more robust training, consent processes, understanding of patient experiences, and reporting of complications.
Sue took the unprecedented decision to spend some time in the BSH offices most weeks which led to an excellent relationship between her and the staff team. Our volunteers, membership and BSH staff all send our heartfelt thanks to Sue for a productive, engaging, enthusiastic leadership of the BSH Board of Trustees. We will very much miss her in this role, and are delighted she is now chairing the Intercollegiate Committee on Haematology where she will continue to contribute. We know her dedication to the specialty will drive her to build on the work she started during her Presidency for BSH in years to come.