Cornwall GP Dr Neil Walden Receives MBE in New Year Honours

Dr Neil Walden has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List in recognition of his services to healthcare in Cornwall.

The award has been announced by NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, where Neil is a Non-Executive Board member and a former local GP.

A career focused on care closer to home

Neil has spent his career working to improve health services for people in Cornwall, with a strong focus on integrating health and care and developing neighbourhood health services. This approach aims to bring care closer to home and aligns with key priorities set out in the NHS 10 year plan.

He worked as a GP and partner at Marazion Surgery until retiring from practice in 2019. Since then, he has continued to play a central role in shaping integrated care across the region, helping to develop neighbourhood health teams that support people to stay well and receive personalised care in their communities.

Continued leadership after retirement

Neil joined the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB Board on 1st July 2022 and later became part of the joint committee for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon Integrated Care Board in October 2025.

In these roles, he has been a strong advocate for partnership working, bringing together NHS organisations, providers, patients and the voluntary sector to co-design services. His leadership has also played an important part in developing integrated community health and care services in West Penwith.

Recognition for a shared effort

Speaking about the honour, Neil said:

“It has been a privilege to work alongside so many passionate and committed colleagues and community partners to improve health and care for people in Cornwall.

I am deeply humbled and proud to receive this honour in recognition of the work of many dedicated colleagues towards integrated health and care in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

Praise from ICB leadership

Chair of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB and NHS Devon ICB, John Govett, said:

“Neil’s commitment to listening to local people and working collaboratively has made a real difference to health and care services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. This honour is a fitting tribute to his dedication and leadership over many years and reflects the impact he continues to have in shaping services that support us to shift health care from hospitals to communities and in driving neighbourhood system working over many years.”

A wide range of senior roles

Over the years, Neil has held several senior positions, including Locality Lead GP and Clinical Director of Penwith Primary Care Network. He has also served as Chair and later member of the Penwith Integrated Care Forum, as well as joint Clinical Lead in the West Integrated Care Area.

His experience across primary care networks and partnership arrangements has helped ensure plans remain patient centred and grounded in clinical evidence, contributing to long term improvements in how care is delivered across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.