Dr Salman Shahid, a prominent general practitioner in Greater Manchester, has been honored with the title of Local NHS Champion by the Health Secretary.
In an exclusive ceremony held at 10 Downing Street last week, Steve Barclay MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, bestowed this distinction upon Dr Shahid. The recommendation to recognise his exceptional contributions came from Chris Clarkson, Member of Parliament for Heywood and Middleton, who has closely collaborated with Dr Shahid on several local initiatives. Impressed by the doctor’s accomplishments, Mr Clarkson sought to highlight them at the parliamentary level.
During the announcement of this prestigious accolade, Health Secretary Steve Barclay remarked, “The National Health Service (NHS) has undergone significant transformations over the past 75 years. Today, patients are 80% less likely to succumb to cardiovascular disease compared to 1948. The NHS, which initially comprised 144,000 staff members, now employs a staggering 1.4 million. Furthermore, the NHS budget has skyrocketed from £11 billion in 1948 to over £180 billion today. However, amidst these changes, two fundamental aspects remain unchanged: the dedication of our incredible staff who deliver high-quality care, and the principle of free healthcare for all. It is these principles that we gather here today to celebrate.”
Dr Salman Shahid, a Middleton-based general practitioner, Associate Medical Director of the Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Integrated Care Partnership. Together with his team, he collaborates extensively with community and voluntary services at the local level to address challenges such as poverty, isolation, loneliness, and deprivation.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr Shahid stated, “I am greatly honored by this recognition from Mr Clarkson and the government. However, I attribute this acknowledgment to the hard work and determination of our collective team in Heywood, Middleton, and Rochdale. Together, we strive to make our borough a better place for everyone.”
