A Highland surgeon has won an award for years of “selfless” work in humanitarian healthcare.
Andrew Kent, from Inverness, has devoted years to ensuring patients who are vulnerable or in danger receive the right treatment.
Throughout his career he has worked in Ukraine, Beruit, Eswatini, Afghanistan, Somalia, Yemen, Uganda and India working with several organisations to provide care.
Mr Kent was recognised for his efforts at the Scottish Health Awards where he won the Global Citizenship Award which received over 750 nominations.
‘A thoroughly deserved award’
Working as a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness since 2002, Mr Kent thanked those who had supported him over the years.
He said: “As a surgeon it has always been my duty to provide healthcare to patients and give them the treatment they need, no matter who they are or where they come from.
“I’m very pleased for myself and for my work colleagues who have always supported me in my humanitarian missions – sometimes at very short notice.
“Thank you to my wife and our four kids who have never questioned my desire to make these sacrifices, and thank you to the Scottish Health Awards for honouring me with this award.”
Working in Ukraine helping with the refugee crisis for 10 weeks this year, Mr Kent said he hopes to return early next year.
Boyd Robertson, NHS Highland board chairman, congratulated the surgeon on the award.
He added: “This is a thoroughly deserved award for Andrew who has so selflessly demonstrated over many years his devotion to his profession and has gone way above and beyond to treat patients around the world in the most challenging and unimaginable of situations.
“We in NHS Highland are proud to have staff of Andy’s calibre and distinction and we congratulate him on this very special recognition in the Scottish Health Awards for which over 750 individuals were nominated.”
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