Professor Angus Watson, Clinical Chair of Surgery at the University of Aberdeen and consultant surgeon with NHS Highland, has been awarded a UK Humanitarian Medal in recognition of his frontline medical work in global conflict zones.
Inverness‑based trauma and orthopaedic surgeon Andy Kent, also of NHS Highland, received the same honour.
The medals, conferred by His Majesty The King, recognise individuals who have made a significant contribution to humanitarian responses on behalf of the United Kingdom, often in highly challenging or dangerous environments.
Angus and Andy, who are both members of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh’s Faculty of Remote, Rural and Humanitarian Healthcare Faculty, were presented with their medals by Professor Tony Redmond, founder of frontline humanitarian medical NGO, UK-Med.
Professor Angus Watson, Vice President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, consultant surgeon with NHS Highland, and Professor of Surgery at the University of Aberdeen, was deployed with UK-Med in conflict settings including Ukraine and Gaza. In Ukraine, he helped establish a field surgical unit to restore services disrupted by the conflict. He also volunteered more recently in Gaza as part of a UK-Med surgical team.
Professor Watson said: “I’m humbled to receive this honour, but I’m mindful every day of the suffering and dignity I witnessed during my two deployments of Gaza with UK-Med. My thoughts are with the healthcare teams who continue to provide compassionate care in incredibly challenging conditions. Now more than ever, the world needs more humanitarians.”
Andy Kent, a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at Raigmore Hospital, has also worked with UK-Med in conflict settings including Ukraine and Gaza.
In Gaza, he joined a specialised surgical team working alongside local clinicians, advising on complex injuries and supporting the treatment of patients. In Ukraine, his work included supporting surgeons and helping to develop healthcare services amid the impact of war.
Andy said: “I’m truly honoured to receive the Humanitarian Medal. Humanitarian healthcare work is a real team effort, and I’ve been privileged to work alongside some incredible local health professionals in extremely challenging circumstances. I’m grateful to my colleagues in NHS Highland and my family for supporting me to take part in these deployments.”
The duo were among 98 UK-Med responders who received medals in recognition of their support for communities affected by conflict and disaster.
David Wightwick CEO of UK-Med said: “Angus and Andy’s compassion and expertise have been absolutely key in helping people affected by conflict. While the medals recognise individual service, humanitarian response is always a team effort, driven by the needs and resilience of the communities being supported.”
The UK Humanitarian Medal was introduced by the UK Government to honour people who respond to humanitarian emergencies in circumstances demanding significant contribution. UK-Med has responded to international health emergencies for more than three decades and works with local health professionals and partners to help provide care in crisis.