Islington Tribune - by SARAH NOWAKOWSKA Published: 4 January 2008
Prof Louis Smidt, OBE
Professor honoured for 40-year commitment to health services
AFTER 40 years of dedication to teaching and health service management, a professor has been awarded an OBE last week for his long-standing commitment. Professor Louis Smidt, 64, who lives in Barnsbury, Islington, and is chairman of West London Mental Health Trust, said: “I’ve worked in the health service for over 40 years and after such a long time the award has come as a very pleasant surprise.
“I’m delighted to receive it and I feel that the award belongs not just to me, but to all the staff at West London Mental Health NHS Trust, who are such fantastic, hardworking and dedicated people.”
Born in South Africa, he moved to England in 1963 and began his career as a podiatrist in 1966, becoming a published author in chiropody and general management.
He was appointed chief executive of the Camden and Islington Health Service NHS Trust in 1993 before his appointment as chairman of the West London Trust in 2001 and last year as an associate to the King’s Fund, a charity for better healthcare, especially in London.
Simon Crawford, chief executive of West London Mental Health Trust, said: “This is excellent news and I am delighted that Professor Smidt has been recognised with such a well-deserved award for his contribution to healthcare over many years.”