There are times when someone's dedication and devotion to duty should be recognised. This has been no truer than through this last 16 months.
As Head of Regional Health Partnerships with Leeds City Council our Chair, Rachael Loftus' remit is working to improve health and care across the West Yorkshire area. During the pandemic she has been responsible for co-ordinating the shielding programme to protect the most vulnerable people in Leeds, over 54,000 of them.
And we are delighted to share the news that she has been awarded an MBE for her hard work as part of the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
With Co. Mayo parents, she proudly describes herself as Yorkshire Irish, a community she has tirelessly and selflessly strived to ensure are fully included in the civic, economic, social and cultural life of Leeds.
Rachael has been Chair of LIHH since January 2016, initially joining the Board in 2005.
Rachael was pivotal in developing the partnership which saw many of the Irish community associations and groups come together to ensure no one was forgotten during COVID-19 and launched the highly lauded 'Craic pack' initiative bringing a taste of home to people at risk of isolation.
We are so very proud of this most well-deserved achievement here at LIHH. It couldn't have been directed to a more appropriate person.
Comhghairdeas leat, a Rachael!
