Honorary doctorate awarded to Robert Woolley in recognition of his significant contribution to healthcare

The ceremony was held at Bristol Cathedral where Robert was recognised for his significant achievements in a health service career which has spanned almost 30 years.

Praised for his commitment to develop and deliver high quality care for people in Bristol and the South West, there was a particular focus on Robert's positive impact as a leader, working in partnership with health, education and research providers to ensure Bristol and the West of England remain at the forefront of healthcare delivery, an impact evidenced by UH Bristol recently being rated Outstanding for the second time in a row by the Care Quality Commission.

Robert said: "I am delighted and privileged to have been awarded an honorary doctorate from UWE Bristol, with whom we have had a long and successful partnership. Many of our employees have graduated from this great institution.

"My success, not just as a chief executive but throughout my time in the NHS, has been the product of working with passionate and dedicated colleagues who share the same vision to provide the best for our patients and our staff, whilst investing in education and research to support change in the health sector.

"During my career, I have been in a fortunate position to oversee major transformation in healthcare across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, including the opening of South Bristol Community Hospital, centralisation of acute services for children, the refurbishment and expansion of many of our city centre hospitals and the proposed merger between UH Bristol and Weston.

"I would like to thank UWE Bristol for their acknowledgement and offer my congratulations to other honourees and all the health and applied science graduates who received their awards this week."