A Walsall Consultant has been awarded the honour of becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) – an accolade reserved for those who make “outstanding” contributions to medicine.

Dr Andrew Hartland, a Consultant Chemical Pathologist and Bariatric Physician who has lectured nationally and internationally on weight management, was formerly a Consultant at Northwick Park Hospital London, before moving to Walsall Manor Hospital. The father of three is also the co-founder of St Philip’s Care homes, alongside his brother Gary Hartland.

He said: “This is indeed an honour for me, and I am humbled that the medical profession – with so many wonderful colleagues who I admire enormously – holds me in such high esteem.

“I thoroughly enjoy my role and being able to use my expertise to make a difference to our patients’ lives and the lives of their families too. I am genuinely thrilled to have been nominated.”

Dr Hartland has had several distinguished roles within medicine and has led on quality assurance for the Pathology School of Deanery, which oversees the training of doctors in this region.

He was formerly president of the Pathology Section of the Royal Society of Medicine, and in 2014 was awarded a Fellowship with NICE .

The RCP champions medical professionalism and leadership, promotes person-centred care and drives improvements in clinical practice. It works with government, politicians and other policy makers, royal colleges and other sector organisations to embed quality improvement in healthcare.

Dr Zia Din, Chief Medical Officer at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “This is a prestigious honour reserved for those who have made an outstanding contribution to medicine, so we are extremely proud of Dr Hartland’s achievement.

“He makes a significant contribution to our local healthcare services and is committed to improving our patients’ experience – to be recognised nationally too is tremendous. Congratulations Dr Hartland and very well deserved!”