Specialists awarded OBEs for improving the lives of young people with diabetes

Order of the British Empires (OBEs) have been presented to an already multi-award-winning paediatrician and consultant in paediatric diabetes for their hard work in enhancing the lives of young people living with diabetes.

Prof May Ng, a multi-award-winning paediatrician, has had a major positive impact on people’s lives thanks to her work in providing high-quality patient-centred diabetes care and raising autism awareness.

Her career in the NHS, which spans more than 25 years, and developing improved education for healthcare professionals have resulted in Prof May Ng becoming a leader in her field.

After working as a Consultant in Paediatric Diabetes in Leeds for 27 years, Dr Fiona Campbell is known for combining her clinical work with other local, regional and national roles.

She has been the Chair of the National Children and Young People’s Diabetes Network in England and Wales since 2009 and leads the prestigious Children and Young People’s diabetes service at Leeds Children’s Hospital which cares for more than 550 patients aged between zero and 20.

Dr Campbell, who has a particular interest in quality improving (QI) clinical services for young people living with diabetes, said: “I am very surprised but absolutely delighted to be awarded this honour.

These OBEs are the latest recognitions and accomplishments in their careers. Prof Ng raised more than £50,000 for her local diabetes charity and more than £10,000 to raise autism awareness over the last year. She has also written more than 150 publications and authored three books.

Dr Campbell has been Clinical Lead for Digibete, an award-winning online platform and app. It supports families in managing life with type 1 diabetes and is signposted and supported financially by NHS England whilst being used by all diabetes services for CYP in England and Wales.

Prof May Ng, who has already achieved five academic degrees, an MBBS with Honours, an MSc, an LLM, a PhD, an MBA and is a mother to three children, two of whom have special needs, said: “I am surprised and deeply humbled to be honoured by this award.

“I wish to express my immense gratitude for the support from my family, my parents, my team, colleagues, the children and families whom I work with.”

She added: “Throughout my career, I have always been driven by a passion to improve the care of people living with diabetes and other endocrine conditions, and to advocate for autistic people due to my own personal experiences.”

“This award reflects the dedication of so many people, and my greatest hope is that the recognition afforded by the OBE focuses attention on the continued efforts to improve diabetes care and raise autism awareness globally.”

“I am accepting it on behalf of all my wonderful and supportive colleagues that I have been so fortunate to work with over the years,” said Dr Campbell.

She concluded: “They have worked tirelessly alongside me to try to ensure that all children and young people living with diabetes access the best care possible in our country and lead long and happy complication free lives.”