Scientist from town given citizen award
A scientist, alongside 26 other people from across the UK, has been honoured with the coveted British Citizen Award.
Paul Browning, from Loughborough, has been involved with clinical sciences for over 20 years, with the last seven being focused on wound care.
He has produced publications in peer-reviewed journals, presented at conferences and lectured clinicians in wound care.
Due to lockdown, the usual grand medal presentation ceremony at The Palace of Westminster was unable to take place.
For only the second time in its history, Paul and the remaining 26 medallists received their BCA medals by courier, together with video messages of congratulations.
They also received an invitation to the House of Lords for a date yet to be determined.
Jonny McQuarrie, managing director from BCA partner One Stop, said: “Each time a new group of medallists are selected, it reminds us of how great the people of this nation are.
“We serve many communities across the country through the One Stop convenience stores, and these individuals being recognised now reflects all that is good about community spirit.
“It’s a privilege to play a part in helping them to be recognised. Our congratulations go to all 27 honourees.”
The British Citizen Award is now in its sixth year and recognises exceptional people who positively impact their communities. Paul Browning has been honoured with a BCA for Services to Healthcare.
After engaging with Parliament through his academic studies, Paul applied his learning to practice when he became aware of a variation in wound care and cost-saving initiatives that did not put the patient first.
Dame Mary Perkins, who would have normally presented Paul with his medal, said: “British Citizen Award recipients are very special people.
“They all go above and beyond for others with selfless acts of kindness and community spirit with no thought or expectation of praise or reward. These awards are a great opportunity to shine a light on their good works and give them the recognition they so thoroughly deserve.”
Paul found the cost and variations ethically unacceptable and contacted peers, notably Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, who supported the issues around patient care. Paul realised the UK needed a national strategy to address the issues.
Several written questions in the House of Lords were tabled, leading to the procurement of an oral debate in 2017, which resulted in the government creating a national wound strategy.
This programme continues to support improvements in patient care. Chronic wound care costs the NHS in England over £8 billion a year.
Dame Mary Perkins added: “They are the nation’s true unsung heroes, and in a year that has been so challenging for everyone, their contributions have been even more valuable than ever.
“I look forward to seeing all the recipients recognised in person as soon as it is possible.”
Paul lobbied for political support using the parliamentary process to secure awareness and debate.
He then worked with a UK trade association and changed national policy, proving that one person can make the difference.
Messages of support were sent via video from TV personalities Michael Underwood, Matt Allwright, pop superstar, Kimberly Walsh of Girls Aloud, and comedian, actor, and patron of the BCA, Bradley Walsh.
Messages of congratulations were also sent by the wider sponsor community including from representatives of Experian, Places for People, and Objective HR who have all continued to support the BCA throughout the pandemic.
The British Citizen Award is viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday people for exceptional acts, representative of today’s multicultural Britain.