Mary Hutton, the former Chief Executive of NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, has been awarded the prestigious Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the King’s New Year Honours. This accolade recognises her exceptional contributions to community wellbeing, health, and integrated care.
Having retired earlier this year after more than three decades of commitment to the NHS, Mary’s leadership over 14 years in Gloucestershire left a lasting legacy. Under her guidance, partnership working became a hallmark of the local health and care system, fostering closer collaboration between organisations to deliver better patient outcomes.
Mary set a clear, long-term vision centred on prevention, integrated care, service innovation, and a culture that values and supports staff. Her focus on practical support improved services for children, young people, older adults, and individuals living with long-term conditions or disabilities.
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Beyond Gloucestershire, Mary played a significant role in shaping integrated care policies both locally and nationally, helping to establish the framework for Integrated Care Systems across England.
Outside her professional achievements, Mary’s dedication extends to volunteering with youth services and various community organisations, reflecting her deep commitment to service beyond her NHS career.
The CBE, one of the highest honours bestowed by the King, recognises Mary’s innovative and distinguished contributions to health and care.
Reflecting on the honour, Mary expressed heartfelt gratitude, emphasising that the award recognises the collective efforts of her colleagues and partners in improving wellbeing and local services over many years.
Professor Dame Jane Cummings, Deputy Chair of NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, praised Mary’s visionary leadership and its profound impact on health and care. Dame Jane highlighted Mary’s role in fostering collaboration, enhancing patient care, and nurturing a supportive workplace culture. She affirmed that Mary’s national influence ensured partnership working became central to delivering integrated care, making this recognition richly deserved.