AWARDED an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List was Mr Stephen Hudson who was Locality Manager at Crediton Hospital in the late 1990s.

Steve was at Crediton for more than five of his 34 years working in community NHS services in Devon.

Steve’s MBE citation is as Divisional Director, Community Services, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, for services to vulnerable people in Devon.

Originally from Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, Steve studied Chemistry at Exeter University from 1981 to 1984 and after graduating he stayed in Devon, marrying Val and started his NHS career training as a Registered Nurse for people with Learning Disabilities. They still live in Exeter and have three grown up children.

When he came to Crediton Hospital it had 24 beds, medical and the Boniface Ward for elderly confused people. It was then under Exeter and District Community NHS Trust.

While Steve was there the link with Mengo Hospital in Kampala, Uganda was set up, instigated by Gerald Conyngham of Crediton who had been on a course with the administrator of Mengo. Hence the "twinning" of the two organisations began.

Staff from both hospitals visited each other and other hospitals in their areas and Crediton helped with fundraising for equipment for Mengo. Steve visited three times, once with Gerald, visiting other hospital services around Kampala, carrying out management and nursing training and support.

This was ground-breaking work, officially twinning Exeter and District Health Trust with the Mengo Hospital.

During his time in Devon, Steve has devoted much of his free time and working life to helping and supporting elderly and vulnerable groups in and around Devon, both as a Registered Nurse for people with learning disabilities and as a general manager of community health and social care services.

As a student he was activity co-ordinator, treasurer and active member of the Exeter University Community Action Group, which was set up to work with and support disadvantaged children, people with disabilities and elderly people.

In 2005, he jointly set up and became a director of At Home Care Services Limited in Exeter, which, for 10 years, provided domiciliary and home care to help needy people in the Exeter area.

This was a not-for-profit making company enabling people to live at home by providing services such as gardening, shopping and cleaning.

In retirement, Steve plans to continue his voluntary work in the community and is currently a Trustee of the award winning Beacon Community Centre in Whipton.

Steve said he felt humbled and honoured to receive the MBE.

"It was fantastic when the letter arrived and I couldn’t believe at first I had received this award in recognition of over 34 years working in the local NHS and social care services,” said Steve.

He added: "I have been privileged to work with and lead some fantastic teams and committed individuals who give so much to our local communities and I would like to thank them for all their support over the years."