A FORMER Forth Valley doctor who played a vital role on tackling Covid-19 has been awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours 2021.

Dr Melanie Cross, former NHS Forth Valley consultant in respiratory medicine, volunteered to receive the first cases of coronavirus in the area, quickly establishing a safe triaging system at the hospital in Larbert.

She was instrumental in quickly converting the respiratory ward into the first Covid-19 ward at the hospital, working with colleagues to secure additional oxygen supplies and ventilation equipment.

Dr Cross, who received the OBE for services to respiratory medicine in the Forth Valley, also organised training and education for staff, including on how to use PPE.

She recently left the health board after a decade in service to take a post as respiratory consultant for sleep medicine and home ventilation services at NHS Lothian but continued to maintain lung cancer services using video consultations to ensure there are no delays for patients.

Dr Cross, one of 10 siblings – six of whom are NHS doctors – said: “We are all craving comfort, restoration and respite from the despair, fear, tears, loss and grieving experienced as a nation over the last 18 months.

“I feel honoured and privileged to have received this award, but I see it as recognition not only for my own efforts but also for many others, including all my Forth Valley respiratory consultant colleagues, ward nurses, respiratory specialist nurses, respiratory physiologists, the lung cancer team, endoscopy staff and the secretarial staff who also deserve great credit.

“I truly believe that by working together nothing is impossible and they have all had played a vital role in delivering outstanding care in very challenging circumstances.”

Before her time at NHS Forth Valley, Dr Cross worked at several Scottish front line hospitals as well as a number of others in London.

She is a member of the British Thoracic Society, European Respiratory Society, American Thoracic Society, British Sleep Society, Scottish Thoracic Society and Scottish Sleep Forum, and the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

Her vision, energy and drive to deliver exemplary care were praised by colleagues, including Andrew Murray, medical director at NHS Forth Valley.

He said: “I am delighted that Melanie has received this prestigious award which recognises the important contribution she made to local health services in Forth Valley during the Covid-19 pandemic.”