University of Nottingham’s Professor Adam Gordon Awarded MBE in King’s Birthday Honours
Professor Adam Gordon, from the School of Medicine and President of the British Geriatrics Society, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in King Charles III’s Birthday Honours List, for his services to Older People’s Healthcare.
In his academic role as Professor of the Care of Older People at the University of Nottingham, Adam has played a key role in developing undergraduate and postgraduate curricula in geriatric medicine. He is also a visiting professor at City University in London, a National Institute of Health Research Senior Investigator and a faculty member of the European Academy of Medicine of Ageing.
Adam is internationally renowned as a leading expert in the field of geriatric medicine and is recognised for his work as a skilled clinician, influential academic and widely published researcher.
As British Geriatric Society President since November 2022, his advocacy has helped to raise the importance of older people’s healthcare being a policy priority across the UK. People aged 65 and over account for over 40% of hospital admissions and are the most frequent users of health and social care services.
Frailty, a condition that can be slowed or reversed with the right interventions, costs UK healthcare systems £5.8 billion per year. Investment in healthcare services for older people are now consistently providing high economic returns by improving health outcomes and reducing demand on the acute and social care sectors.
Adam’s research is focused primarily on how healthcare is delivered in care homes. His published work in this field has informed national policy and shaped changes to service delivery to improve the quality of life, healthcare and service planning for older people living in care homes. In 2020, Adam was the lead author of the BGS guidance on managing COVID-19 in care homes and he was appointed to the government’s SAGE Committee sub-group on Care Homes.
Professor Adam Gordon said: “Older people living with frailty often get a raw deal within the health and social care system. I’ve been privileged to be able to do some work at a local, regional and national level to help shine a light on this inequity and have hopefully helped to improve the situation a little.
“In doing so I’ve been able to work with hugely inspirational colleagues in care homes, community and primary care, and hospitals, all of whom work hard in roles which are often unglamourous to ensure we provide care to the older patients we care so dearly about.
“I need also to mention the team at the British Geriatrics Society who work tirelessly to improve care for older people, because they care passionately and because they’re motivated by the stories from healthcare professional members about the difference we can make day-to-day.”
I was surprised and more than a bit humbled to be awarded the MBE. I accept it as recognition of the importance of the work we do and as an acknowledgement of the difference my colleagues in care of older people make day-to-day up and down the country.”
Professor Adam Gordon, School of Medicine
Professor Claire Stewart, Head of the School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham, said: “I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Professor Adam Gordon on being awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
“This honour is a testament to Professor Gordon’s outstanding contributions to medicine, innovative research, and dedication to improving patient care. Adam lives and breathes the University Values, setting an example to all around him. His impact on our community and patients near and far is immeasurable. Congratulations Adam!”