THE chief executive of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has received his knighthood at Buckingham Palace.

Sir James Mackey headed to the capital with his wife Vikki after receiving a knighthood in the New Year’s Honours List for services to healthcare.

He has worked for the NHS for almost 30 years, leading Northumbria to become one of the best NHS organisations in England in terms of providing high quality patient care.

Sir James said: “I am extremely proud to receive my award at Buckingham Palace and share this special occasion with my family. I continue to be delighted and humbled by my knighthood and, six months on, I am still getting used to it.

“This is a collective honour on behalf of the thousands of dedicated staff who provide excellent care to our patients in hospitals and the community across Northumberland and North Tyneside.”