GIRFT’s long-standing clinical lead for gastroenterology, Dr Bev Oates, has been awarded the British Society of Gastroenterology’s prestigious President’s Medal 2025, for her exceptional contribution to medicine and to the NHS as a whole.
The BSG President’s Medal recognises individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the specialty. Dr Oates was awarded the honour at the BSG’s annual conference in Glasgow last week.
President Professor Colin Rees praised both her leadership qualities and her support for colleagues. He said:
“Dr Oates has made an exceptional contribution to medicine and to the NHS as an organisation, with clear benefits for patients with gastrointestinal and liver diseases.
Her greatest achievement to date has been as the national clinical lead for gastroenterology in the highly influential Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme. Within BSG she has held a number of leadership roles to great effect, including training lead through a period of great transformation and challenge, and as treasurer, a critical strategic role, guiding the society through the challenges of the pandemic and beyond.
Dr Oates is currently the clinical lead for BSG’s ambitious Project 90, dedicated to fostering the growth and development of healthcare professionals and empowering them to deliver exceptional patient care.
In all of this, she is an exceptional and supportive colleague, whose work aligns closely to the development of the specialty of gastroenterology, the improvement of clinical practice and better outcomes for patients.”
Dr Oates – a consultant physician and gastroenterologist at the Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – joined the GIRFT programme in 2017 and carried out a national review of gastroenterology care in England based on visits to all 129 NHS trusts in England providing gastroenterology services. Her GIRFT national report for gastroenterology was shared in 2021 and made a series of 24 recommendations, including the introduction of more six- and seven-day services and extended hours to boost capacity and improve patient flow; better triage to help streamline referrals; and more proactive care programmes for patients with chronic conditions.
Speaking after receiving the award, Dr Oates said:
“I am truly honoured to receive this award from my peers and to hear all the lovely comments I have received since.
I am immensely proud to be part of the BSG and the GIRFT programme and look forward to continuing to work with colleagues across the UK to improve services.”
The British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) is a professional body for healthcare professionals focused on promoting gastroenterology and hepatology in the UK. Founded in 1937, it serves as a voice for British gastroenterology and hepatology, representing over 4,400 members worldwide, including physicians, surgeons, scientists, nurses, and more. The BSG is involved in research, training, education, and the development of guidelines for best practice in the field.
