Top trauma surgeon praises Ukrainian and NHS colleagues as he accepts healthcare hero of the year
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He has seen the horrific front-line injuries of the Ukraine war, the devastating impacts of natural disasters and dozens of other tragedies in the self-less pursuit of saving lives.
But top Inverness trauma surgeon Andy Kent OBE had a rare moment to take a breath and be recognised for his tireless work when he was awarded the healthcare hero of the year at Highland Heroes 2023.
The award was sponsored by Inverness Flooring and saw Mr Kent take to the stage at the Drumossie Hotel.
And shortly after receiving the healthcare award he was also crowned overall Hero of Heroes at the HN Media awards bash.
WATCH: Highland Heroes 2023 crowns top trauma surgeon Andy Kent OBE Hero of Heroes
Host Nicky Marr gave a background on the Raigmore based medic just before the award was handed out.
She said: "Andy Kent, a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at Raigmore, has been shortlisted
for Healthcare Hero of the Year for his humanitarian work in Ukraine and elsewhere.
"Andy also volunteers as chairman of the Inverness-shire and Western Isles branch of SSAFA, is club doctor for the Highland Rugby Club, and was recently awarded an OBE for his services to health support.
"In conjunction with medical charity UK-Med, Andy travelled to Ukraine in 2022, and returned again at the start of this year.
"Speaking to us a few weeks ago from his base in Dnipro, Andy said: 'I’m overwhelmed by all of the attention. I’m not doing any of this on my own, having been in the Royal Army Medical Corps for 18 years. The surgeons in Ukraine are skilled, so I’m here to help set up operating theatres and medical facilities, that in these times of extreme challenge and crisis medics are well equipped to meet the needs of their patients.'"
Taking to the stage to accept the healthcare award, Mr Kent said: "Thanks very much for everyone who voted for me but again I would say I worked with lots of heroes in Ukraine.
"I'm just there as I've got a skill set that allows me to do some of the things that I do.
"And I couldn't do it without the support of my colleagues back at Raigmore and particularly my wife Jill. She's left at home running the show.
"Thanks very much. It's a great honour."
