AN INSPIRING Thornbury woman who has helped save the lives of women and babies has been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list.
Lieutenant Colonel Tracy-Louise Appleyard - who lives in the town centre and works as a lead consultant at Southmead Hospital in Bristol - has officially been awarded an OBE.
Lt Col Appleyard has served in the Defence Medical Services for more than 32 years supporting women’s health across defence in the UK, overseas and on operations.
She is currently the lead consultant for colposcopy and also cares for women and babies in the maternity services at Southmead Hospital.
In her role as Defence and Army Consultant Adviser in Obstetrics and Gynaecology she has been credited as having “changed the face of women’s healthcare across Defence”.
Reacting to the news, Lt Col Appleyard said: “I am overwhelmed with gratitude and feel very proud to have been awarded an OBE.
“I am very thankful for the opportunities and support that I have received from my colleagues, both in Defence and the NHS, and my family without whom none of my achievements would have been possible."
The honour has been welcomed by Lt Col Appleyard’s colleagues at the North Bristol NHS Trust - which provides healthcare services to residents in South Gloucestershire, Bristol, and North Somerset.
North Bristol NHS Trust Medical Director, Sam Patel said: “We are very proud to see Tracy honoured for the fantastic work she is doing for women’s health in the military.
“We know Tracy is passionate about providing the very best care to women and babies through her work here at North Bristol and it is wonderful to see how this is being extended nationally and internationally through her work with the military.
“Congratulations Tracy.”
North Bristol NHS Trust Chief Executive, Maria Kane, added: "This is a great honour, and we are incredibly proud of Tracy. Congratulations."
According to the British Army website, the award citation reads: “Delivering time and again to save the lives of women and babies and to ensure fulfilling military careers are an option for women.
“She has shown that the Army, and wider Defence, is a place where everyone can succeed regardless of gender.”
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