Five NHS heroes from Southport Hospital have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List for their exceptional services to the community.
Rev Martin Abrams has been awarded an MBE after he provided ongoing community support to families following last summer’s tragedy in Southport, including leading the vigil in the Town Hall gardens in Southport just 24 hours after the three girls were killed with several other children and adults wounded.
Four colleagues: Dr Chris Goddard, Dr George Bramham, Liz Parsons and Martin Johnson; are recipients of Medals of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for being key members of the emergency response and surgical team at Southport Hospital, who provided immediate care to those affected by the tragic incident.
Martin Johnson and Elizabeth Parsons were part of the large surgical team in theatre who treated the patients sent to Southport Hospital, and Dr George Bramham was part of the first responder team.
Rev Martin Abrams (MBE)
The Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Manager, has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
Martin has worked at Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust for 13 years. He is a deeply caring and compassionate hospital chaplain who makes a difference to patients and their families, as well as NHS Staff, every single day. In recent years, he has provided unwavering support to those affected by the Covid pandemic and the tragic events in Southport in July 2024.
Dr Chris Goddard (BEM)
Consultant in Anaesthetics and Intensive Care. Chris was born at Fazakerley Hospital (now known as Aintree Hospital) in the 1980s and grew up in Maghull. He qualified as a doctor at the University of Liverpool in 2004 and has worked at the Trust since 2014.
Dr George Bramham (BEM)
Acute Care Common Stem Doctor. George was born in East Yorkshire and studied Medicine at the University of Liverpool. He moved to Formby in 2022 and has done several of his trainee rotations at Southport and Whiston hospitals during 2018 – 2025.
Liz Parsons (BEM)
Theatre Practitioner. Liz was born in Portsmouth and graduated from Hull University with a BSc Honours in Nursing Science. She moved to Formby in 1982 and has lived and worked in the town ever since. She has been at the Trust for over 20 years.
Martin Johnson (BEM)
Operating Department Practitioner. Martin was born in Adelaide, Australia and graduated as a Theatre Nurse before moving to the UK in 2014. Martin joined the Trust in 2020.
Mersey & West Lancs Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Trust Chief Executive Rob Cooper said:
“I am absolutely delighted that Martin has been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to him on receiving such a prestigious honour. We are all extremely proud of Martin and this achievement is deserved recognition of his dedication and commitment to our patients, staff and local communities.
“Everyone at the Trust is extremely proud that Chris, George, Liz and Martin are to receive such a special honour from His Majesty the King.
“Their response to such a challenging and devastating incident was simply incredible, and their care and compassion for those they treated will never be forgotten.”
Steve Rotheram Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said:
“In the face of one of Southport’s darkest days, Martin, Chris, George, Liz, Martin and Paul were a source of light. Their courage, professionalism, and kindness brought comfort and care when it was needed most – and they’ve never once sought the spotlight for it.
“I’m so proud to see them recognised by His Majesty. This honour speaks not just to their individual dedication, but to the spirit of public service that runs right through our NHS. On behalf of our entire city region – thank you and congratulations.”
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