The University of Central England has recognised the work of a top NHS executive with an honorary doctorate.
David Nicholson CBE, chief executive of Birmingham and the Black Country, the Shropshire, Staffordshire and West Midlands South Strategic Health Authorities, received the award in recognition of his major contribution to the development of healthcare in the West Midlands.
Mr Nicholson graduated from Bristol University with a 2:1 in history and politics in 1980 and embarked on the NHS's Management Training Scheme.
He became chief executive of the Birmingham and the Black Country Strategic Health Authority in May 2003.
Since his appointment he has turned Birmingham and the Black Country into a high-performing strategic health authority, with the shortest waiting times in England, one year ahead of national targets.
Mr Nicholson was awarded the CBE in the New Year Honours in 2004 in recognition of his services to the NHS.
The university's honour was conferred at its awards congregation in Symphony Hall. l The UCE will honour one of its 'old boys', comedian Frank Skinner, with an honorary doctorate tomorrow at Symphony Hall.
Skinner's is being honoued for his achievements as a comedian. He graduated from UCE Birmingham, then Birmingham Polytechnic, in English literature in 1985.
