Two leading haematologists have been recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours List.
There was an OBE for Dr Gail Miflin, chief medical officer of NHS Blood and Transplant, and an MBE for Professor Ajay Vora, consultant paediatric haematologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London.
Professor Ajay Vora, who holds his professorship at the University of Sheffield, has been involved in multiple clinical trials, including being principal investigator in 20 trials. He has 400 publications, including primary research, reviews, and editing of books and chapters on childhood ALL. Last year he published the findings of a clinical trial of blinatumomab, showing how it could reduce side-effects from treatment for children with cancer.
Professor Vora said of being awarded an MBE for services to Childhood Leukaemia: “I see it as a recognition for the dedication and determination of all those who have been involved in improving the treatment of children with leukaemia such that cure rates for the most common type are now over 90% compared with less than 50% when I started in this field.
“This manifestly could not have been achieved by a single person and I am grateful to all those who have been my collaborators and companions on this exciting journey.”
Dr Gail Miflin practised as a consultant haematologist in London and specialised in treating red cell disorders. She joined NHS Blood and Transplant in 2010 as a consultant and recently, as chief medical officer, has led operational teams and sought to improve equality in blood donation. She was responsible for the convalescent plasma programme during the pandemic, leading to the development of clinical evidence for the appropriate use of the treatment.
Dr Miflin said of her OBE for services to Blood and Plasma Services: “I am very proud to receive this award, I hope it highlights the work done by many dedicated individuals in the NHS and particularly NHSBT. People come to work every day to save and improve lives and they truly achieve this.
“We provide blood, plasma, stem cells, tissues and organs, but we can’t do this without the people who donate. Donors are unsung heroes in society. They save lives every day through acts of altruism.”
Sources: Great Ormond Street Hospital, NHSBT, NHS England
https://www.england.nhs.uk/2024/12/nhs-staff-among-those-recognised-in-2025-new-year-honours-list/
https://www.gosh.com.kw/news-articles/professor-ajay-vora-awarded-mbe-kings-new-years-honours
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