Leicestershire GP Mayur Lakhani recognised in New Year honours

Professor Mayur Lakhani, GP partner at Highgate Medical Centre in South Charnwood, has been knighted for his services to general practice medicine.

In 2007, he was awarded a CBE following his term as the youngest ever Chair (and leader) of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP). He was the first BAME doctor to be the leader of the RCGP and one of only ten GPs to achieve the distinction of being both Chair and President.

As President of RCGP, he launched a dynamic President’s Listening Campaign to counter low morale amongst GPs. He has inspired a new generation of GPs with applications for GP training at an all-time high with markedly increased diversity.

Professor Lakhani is passionate about improving end of life care and, as Chair of National Council for Palliative Care and Dying Matters Coalition, he undertook critical work to transform the care of the dying.  He also chaired the NHS Midlands COVID-19 and Influenza Board in 2020-2021, which supported the mass vaccination campaign in 11 Integrated Care Systems to deliver 13.1 million vaccination doses, making the Midlands one of the highest achieving regions for vaccinations.

Professor Lakhani is currently Chair of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care System Clinical Executive team where his role is to spearhead excellence in clinical leadership, coordinate and represent the voice of health and care and professionals. He is also Chair of the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management.

Reflecting on his reaction to the honour, Professor Lakhani said: “I feel humbled. Many people and organisations have helped me over 30 years, including colleagues working in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland from whom I have learnt a lot. I cannot thank them enough for their kindness and support. 

“With deep gratitude to the practice team at Highgate Medical Centre, the Patient Participation Group and the practice’s patients for the opportunity to serve them.

“I remain focused on the task ahead and what needs to be done to support patients at this challenging time following the pandemic.”

Andy Williams, Chief Executive of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Mayur is a good friend as well as a colleague and I am delighted that his hard work, dedication and inspiration to many has been formally recognised in this way.

“On behalf of the ICB, I’d like to say thank you for all your work not only as a GP, but also your expertise and commitment to improving health care services in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.”