A doctor who enjoyed a long career as a GP in Marazion has been awarded a MBE in recognition of his outstanding contribution to healthcare in Cornwall.

Dr Neil Walden, who worked as a partner in Marazion Surgery until his retirement from practice in 2019, was commended in the New Year Honours List for dedicating his career to improving health services for local people.

He has championed the integration of health and care and development of neighbourhood health, which brings services closer to home and is one of the key priorities of the NHS 10-year plan.

Since retirement Dr Waldon has continued to play a pivotal role in shaping integrated care across the region, working to develop neighbourhood health; which brings integrated neighbourhood teams together to keep people well and deliver personalised care, closer to home.

Dr Waldon joined the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB Board on in 2022 and the joint committee for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon ICBs in October 2025.

He has been a passionate advocate for partnership working bringing together NHS organisations, providers, patients, and the voluntary sector to co-design services that truly reflect what matters most to people. His leadership had also been instrumental in developing integrated community health and care services in West Penwith.

Dr Walden has held several key roles throughout his career, including locality lead GP and clinical director of Penwith Primary Care Network, chair then member of the Penwith Integrated Care Forum, and joint clinical lead in the West Integrated Care Area.

The NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board said his “deep understanding” of the complexities of partnership arrangements and primary care networks ensures that plans “remain patient-centred” and “informed by clinical evidence.”

Dr Walden said: “It has been a privilege to work alongside so many passionate and committed colleagues and community partners to improve health and care for people in Cornwall.

“I am deeply humbled and proud to receive this honour in recognition of the work of many dedicated colleagues towards integrated health and care in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

Chair of NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB and NHS Devon ICB, John Govett added: “Neil’s commitment to listening to local people and working collaboratively has made a real difference to health and care services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

“This honour is a fitting tribute to his dedication and leadership over many years and reflects the impact he continues to have in shaping services that support us to shift health care from hospitals to communities and in driving neighbourhood system working over many years.”