A top NHS nurse from a Waltham Forest Hospital has been recognised in the 2023 New Year Honours list ahead of the health service’s 75th birthday.

Zebina Ratansi, director of nursing at Whipps Cross University Hospital, was appointed MBE for her work.

Dozens of honours have been awarded to an array of other NHS staff as well, including front line doctors and nurses, hospital volunteers and leaders in the Covid vaccination programme.

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Other nurses who received MBEs included Elspeth Jane Clegg, NHS England’s chief nurse for London, and Samantha Salaver, head of dental nursing at Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust.

NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: “Thanks to the hard work of everyone in our skilled, compassionate and dedicated NHS team, we have continued to deliver the best possible care for patients and recovery services affected during the pandemic over the last year.

"As the NHS heads into its 75th year, I am delighted to see the fantastic work of so many of my excellent health service colleagues reflected again in this year’s honours, including many for their work during the pandemic and the Covid-19 vaccination programme.

“I want to congratulate all those receiving recognition today for their fantastic efforts."

Dr Joel Meyer, intensive care consultant at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS FT and co-founder of Life Lines, said: "I feel amazed to have been nominated for this exceptional honour.

"At the start of the pandemic, when Professor Louise Rose and I came up with Life Lines, a way of keeping families and patients connected virtually, we did not anticipate the speed, scale of impact and sustained success of the project.

"This award is an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary efforts, goodwill and ongoing contributions of the whole Life Lines team, partners and collaborators.”