The head of patient and public involvement at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust has been awarded an MBE.

Lesley Lopez who has worked at the Trust for almost 30 years was nominated for the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her services to the NHS by her colleagues.

She manages a number of teams, including spiritual and pastoral care, patient affairs, patient advice and liaison service, equality and diversity, main reception and volunteers.

Ms Lopez said: "I’m extremely humbled that I have been nominated for such prestigious recognition.

"I love my job and the people I work with. They are all truly committed to improving the experience for patients, visitors and carers.

"It was really gratifying recently to see all that hard work recognised in the results of our national inpatient and outpatient surveys."

During her career Ms Lopez has been instrumental in introducing a number of initiatives, such as the Patient Advice and Liaison Service and the Patient’s Panel.

Trust director of nursing Natalie Forrest said: "Lesley works extremely hard and is a respected and invaluable member of the Trust.

"She is passionate about everything concerning patients, and is a constant reminder to everyone who works for the trust that patients, visitors and carers are everyone’s number one priority."