Dorset and Hampshire NHS leader recognised
in New Years Honours for championing mental health
Lynne Hunt, mental health nurse and leader, has been recognised a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the NHS, after a long career dedicated to supporting people experiencing mental health challenges – giving voice and practical support so some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in society.
Lynne, who was born in Dorset and lives in Weymouth, has worked in mental health services for 47 years, starting as a mental health nurse and advancing through more senior roles in NHS Trusts in Dorset, London, Hampshire and Sussex. Lynne has served as Director of Nursing and Deputy Chief Executive at East London NHS Foundation Trust and Vice Chair at Dorset Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Lynne was Chair at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust and Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust, and is currently a Non-Executive Director at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust – altogether some of the most challenging roles in the NHS.
Throughout her career, Lynne has worked relentlessly to make sure that the voices of people using mental health services, and their families, are heard; that mental health services are seen as a priority in the local NHS, and are resourced appropriately. Across all the organisations in which Lynne has worked, she has always been focussed on improving the care, treatment and opportunities available to people.
At Dorset Healthcare, Lynne transformed the organisation from a Trust in ‘special measures’ to one rated as ‘outstanding’. At Southern Health, Lynne rebuilt the reputation of the Trust after a series of challenges, growing confidence in the organisation amongst patients, public and partners. Lynne also established a Youth Board and championed Youth Governors to ensure that young people had a greater say in the development of local NHS services.
Upon receiving the award, Lynne Hunt said: “I am deeply humbled to receive this honour. It has been a privilege to work with so many wonderful people throughout my career – patients, families, colleagues. I am grateful to the NHS for all it has done – it is a great place to work, and indeed both my adult children now work in the NHS. I also want to say a huge congratulations to everyone else receiving a New Years Honour this week.”
Ron Shields, Chief Executive at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “Nearly half a century after qualifying as a mental health nurse, Lynne still brings the very best characteristics of professional nursing to bear in her leadership. She is a consummate professional, a role model of public service, and an inspiration to so many people.”
In addition to her services to the NHS, Lynne has contributed passionately as a Governor and Volunteer for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) and Dorest Volunteering where she provided meal services for elderly people.
Lynne is the third member of the Hunt family, and the small village of Tarrant Rawston, near Blandford Forum, to receive significant recognition. Her great uncle George received an Agricultural Medal, and in 1982 her grandfather Harry Hunt was honoured with an Empire Medal.