Surgeons awarded UK Humanitarian Medals for conflict zone work

Two Highland surgeons have been awarded UK Humanitarian Medals for their work in conflict zones.

Professor Angus Watson, Clinical Chair of Surgery at the University of Aberdeen and consultant surgeon with NHS Highland, and Andy Kent, a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at Raigmore Hospital, have been honoured for their contributions to humanitarian efforts in the likes of Ukraine and Gaza.

The medals recognise individuals who have made significant contributions to humanitarian responses on behalf of the UK in highly challenging or dangerous environments.

Both recipients are members of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh’s Faculty of Remote, Rural and Humanitarian Healthcare Faculty.

Professor Watson, who is also Vice President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, was deployed with UK-Med in Ukraine, where he helped establish a field surgical unit.

More recently, he volunteered in Gaza as part of a UK-Med surgical team.

He 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 joined specialised surgical teams in Gaza and Ukraine, advising on complex injuries and supporting local clinicians.

He 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, commended the duo’s compassion and expertise, emphasising the team effort involved in humanitarian work.

He 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 those who respond to emergencies requiring significant efforts.

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