A senior health service manager dedicated her OBE to ‘every single member of our local NHS’ after being recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

North Middlesex University NHS Trust chief executive Maria Kane was made an OBE for her extensive contribution to health and care services of over two decades, particularly in North London.

During her career, Maria has aided mental health organisations, whether being as a volunteer or trustee for about 30 years.

During her time at the Strategic Health Authority in London, her roles have varied from being responsible for strategy, planning, corporate development, communications and engagement.

Ms Kane said: “I’m incredibly grateful that the hard work and improvements which everyone at North Mid and across the local community has helped deliver in recent months is being recognised in this way.

“I am clear that I am accepting it on behalf of so many colleagues and partners, without whom none of the local care and services would happen.”

Ms Kane says she sees working with her colleagues and partners across the public and voluntary sector as a “privilege.”

Dr Peter Carter, The Interim Chair of the North Middlesex University NHS Trust, praised Maria’s award.

He said: “It’s a wonderful acknowledgement of the dedication and loyalty she has shown to delivering and improving health services and care for local people in Enfield, Haringey and further afield.”

Before joining the North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust in December 2017, Maria was chief executive of the Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS trust, which specialised in mental health services for the community.

Before this, Maria held a variety of senior roles in corporate and strategic development for the Royal College of Midwives, Medical Protection Society and the National Council of Voluntary Organisations.

Maria has previously been a trustee of Open Mind, Umbrella Mental Health, Young Minds, as well as an adviser to the Lullaby Trust and a special adviser to the Care Quality Commission. She was also chairman of governors of a primary school in Tottenham for ten years.

She lives in Haringey with her teenage children. North Mid is her local hospital.