Local NHS consultant and leading emergency aid worker Dr Barry Klaassen has been awarded an MBE by the Queen after being recognised for services to overseas healthcare and for saving “hundreds of lives”.
The 62-year-old of Wester Ballindean near Inchture has also been credited by the Crown with establishing systems and procedures which have “helped to save thousands more”.
Throughout his career Barry has strived to improve the standards of medical care delivered to patients.
In Tayside he has introduced changes in the system so there is now a high level of consultant presence in out-of-hours periods which has greatly enhanced patient care.
He developed an innovative redirection policy for non-emergency patients.
The now-recognised Tayside Redirection Policy is applied throughout the country and has become the national model.
In addition to his NHS consultant role, Barry is chief medical advisor to the British Red Cross (BRC), team leader of Scotland Emergency Medicine - Malawi Project and also serves on the Annual Royalty Medical Protection Committee, involving frequent attendance at Red Cross meetings.
He is passionate about supporting first aid education and providing advocacy for public health campaigns such as the Drink Bus Initiative and promoting first aid in schools curricula.
He is also a BRC Caldicott Guardian and a supporter of clinical audit and related services as well as being a member of the Tripartite Medical Committee with St John and St Andrew Ambulances.
As an active contributor to the Scotland Malawi Project for Emergency Medicine he secured a grant from the Scottish Government to support the establishment of the first adult emergency service in Malawi.
Despite severe financial constraints, he spearheaded the project and delivered front door emergency care in Malawi for the first time in the country’s history.
The success of the project is due to his determination to drive it forward, and it is expanding as a result of his tenacity and commitment, bringing international recognition and distinction to the UK health service.
Barry, who works out of PRI a few days a week, said: “I first received the letter [from the Queen’s Honours List] five or six weeks ago asking me if I would accept the MBE.
“Of course I did and I am absolutely honoured and delighted.
“The work carried out in Malawi and in Tayside has been backed 100 per cent. Tayside has been the best for A&E targets in Scotland.
“I was also teaching in Malawi to help develop improved A&E departments there as they have been basically non-existent.
“We are delivering a national network of emergency care to make it the first in the country’s history.
“We have also improved the number of emergency units in Scotland.
“I am very proud of what we have achieved.”
Dedicated Barry, however, wanted to share the credit with those he has worked alongside.
“I am accepting the award and sharing it with a fantastic team,” he said.
“I have worked with amazing teams in Tayside and Malawi.
“I can’t wait to finish what we have started.
“The support we have had has never wavered. My colleagues in emergency services, and the doctors, nurses and staff have been fantastic and very supportive.
“This award is for them.”
