Trauma surgeon tops HSJ’s most influential BAME figures in health
Martin Griffiths, lead for trauma surgery at The Royal London Hospital, has been named as one of the most influential BAME figures in UK health according to a new HSJ list.
The BAME50 lists the black, asian and minority ethnic people who will exercise the most power and influence in the NHS and health policy over the next 12 months.
Martin was recognised for his pioneering ward-based violence reduction service which he and fellow colleagues set up after operating on young knife victims admitted in their school uniforms.
This award-winning scheme sees hospital staff and case workers at charity St Giles Trust helping young patients injured through gang crime while they are still being treated in the hospital to help break the cycle of violence at the point of crisis.
The scheme works with victims to unravel the complex social reasons behind knife crime and offers holistic support to help prevent further harm.
In six years, this has reduced the number of young people returning to The Royal London Hospital with further injuries from 45% to less than 1%.
Last year Martin was appointed NHS England’s first clinical director for violence reduction after spending the last decade saving lives and lecturing school children on the dangers of carrying weapons to help prevent stabbings and other violent crimes.
Martin Griffiths said: “I’m delighted to be included in this list and, as a consultant who has worked at Barts Health all my career, I’m proud that our work and expertise in this field has been recognised.
“Working in an inclusive and support environment at Barts Health has really helped me to develop the leadership that this speciality requires and I’m really proud to represent the Trust.”
Marie Gabriel, chair of the north east London integrated care system, which is part of the East London Health and Care Partnership along with Barts Health, also featured on the list.
Visit the HSJ website for the full BAME50 list.
Picture credit: Geoff_Pix