Former physiotherapist in Wrexham awarded British Empire Medal

A physiotherapist who worked in Wrexham and Flintshire for over 20 years has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Christine Hughes, from Denbigh was team leader of the learning disabilities team in North East Wales for many years where she built up and led her team with passion and commitment to improving access to physiotherapy for adult patients with learning disabilities.

In 1975 Christine qualified as a physiotherapist and has been providing a service to adults with a learning disability since her early career.

She managed the 24-hour postural care service and used her expertise and experience to help staff and carer’s across North Wales develop their skills and abilities. She is a first language Welsh speaker who models best practice in bilingual provision across the region.

Recently retired, Christine is still working to treat patients on a part-time basis within the Health Board.

Head of physiotherapy for the East Area, Nesta McCluskey said, “We are so proud of Christine, she absolutely deserves this honour.

“Christine has dedicated her life to improving the lives of adults with a complex learning disability and physical difficulty. She has worked with patients but also she trains carers, works with social services and health colleagues and has always delivered a very high level of patient care.

“Christine has worked for many years to make sure adults with a learning disability have access to physiotherapy so that this small patient group with such complex needs has access to a service that helps to improve their lives.”

Minister for Health and Social Service, Vaughan Gething added: “At the heart of our NHS and social care are the dedicated people working within it.

“I’m delighted that ten employees from NHS Wales and the Welsh social care sector have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday honours for their talent and commitment to the people of Wales.”