Brain Injury Experts Recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

Two eminent professionals have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours which were announced on Friday 15^th June 2024. The honours recognise people who have given exceptional service to the UK.

Professor David Menon received an CBE for his services to neurocritical care. David is a Professor at Cambridge University and founded the Neurosciences Critical Care Unit at Addenbrookes Hospital, where he pioneered the first recognised training programme for specialist neurocritical care in the UK. He is a leader in national and international research jointly leading the EU funded CENTER-TBI and is the Principal Investigator for TBI-Reporter of which UKABIF is a central part.

David was also the executive editor of the All-Party Parliamentary Group Report entitled ‘Acquired Brain Injury and Neurorehabilitation: Time for Change’ which was published in 2018 and forms the cornerstone of UKABIF’s work.

The CBE recognises a prominent national role, a conspicuous leading role in regional affairs through achievement or service to the community, or a highly distinguished, innovative contribution in his or her area of activity.

Of his award, Professor Menon said, ‘I am deeply honoured to accept the CBE on behalf of all those who have worked with me during what has been – and continues to be a very rewarding career.’

Dr Andy Tyerman received a British Empire Medal - a trustee of Headway UK Andy was Clinical Lead and Head of Service at the Community Head Injury Service, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust.

A clinical psychologist by background Andy developed his neurorehabilitation skills at the then Wolfson Medical Rehabilitation Centre and the Joint Services Medical Rehabilitation Unit at RAF Chessington. 

After moving to the Community Physical Rehabilitation Service in Aylesbury in 1987, he planned, developed and oversaw provision of the Community Head Injury Service which strived to provide as responsive a service as possible with the resources available.

The integrated community rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation and family services have all been cited as national examples of good practice, which Andy attributes to the excellent inter-disciplinary team, and the positive response of people with brain injury and their families.

Andy has developed a resource which seeks to address the lack of understanding of the long-term effects of brain injury, lack of awareness of the Equality Act and raise awareness of disability rights and reduce discrimination  https://www.equitynotjustequality.co.uk

Dr Tyerman says, ‘Reflecting on this award, the courage and resolve of people affected by brain injury has inspired me throughout my career. Working with people with brain injury, their families and friends has been a great privilege. Whilst I am no longer involved directly in service provision, the ‘Aylesbury model’ of community brain injury rehabilitation continues to evolve through the current team. Long may this continue, along with other community brain injury service provision and the vital support of Headway.”