A North East consultant cardiologist has been honoured with an MBE for his dedicated service to patients with heart disease.
Professor Nick Linker, who served as a consultant cardiologist at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award from Prince William.
Professor Linker devoted 25 years to treating heart disease patients before retiring in February 2024.
The hospital shared the news of his MBE in a Facebook post, which received dozens of congratulatory comments. Many patients and their families expressed their gratitude for his care. One wrote, “Professor Linker fitted my son’s pacemaker when he was 17. He is still going strong at 38. Thank you.” Another said, “Without his skill and knowledge, I probably wouldn’t be here now. He deserves this award so much. Such a lovely man as well.”
Mike Stewart, Group Chief Medical Officer for University Hospitals Teeside, said: “We are immensely proud to have had Nick as part of our team for over 25 years. We are delighted his contributions to heart disease care have been recognised with an MBE. Nick has made a positive difference in many lives and remains an inspiration to us all.”
Professor Linker described the award as a great honour. “It reflects the hard work the NHS has done for heart disease patients,” he said. “Being invited to Windsor Castle to meet Prince William and discuss heart disease was a very special day I will never forget.”
Beyond his clinical work, Professor Linker was the national clinical director for heart disease at NHS England from 2019 to 2024, covering the Covid-19 pandemic period. He also chaired the Cardiac Services Clinical Reference Group.
He served as medical director for the global heart charity Arrhythmia Alliance. Trudie C A Lobban, founder of the charity, said: “I have known Nick since 2004 and worked closely with him. He always puts patients first, which matches our charity’s values. He has worked tirelessly for patients—as a doctor, medical director, trustee, and programme director of Heart Rhythm Congress. He listens carefully, thinks deeply, and acts wisely. Even in retirement, he supports patients and influences policy makers and clinicians to improve care for those with heart rhythm disorders.”
Professor Linker is also an honorary professor at Teesside University, where he lectures and examines on arrhythmias and syncope.
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