Class of 2025: Black Country-based NHS leader and Covid hero honoured for lifetime services to healthcare
A NHS leader with more than 40 years of service to the healthcare industry has been honoured for her contributions in her field.
Sally Roberts, a Black Country-based NHS Leader who played a vital role in the West Midlands' Covid-19 response, has been made an honorary Doctor of Science by the University of Wolverhampton.
A registered nurse and qualified specialist in district nursing, Sally currently serves as the chief nursing officer and deputy chief executive for the Black Country Integrated Care Board.
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Over her career, the NHS lead has held a range of senior roles across a series of providers, including the education and commissioning organisations.
Now, as part of the Summer graduations ceremonies for the University of Wolverhampton, Sally returned to her alma mater to become one of the latest to join the 'Class of 2025' as she was awarded the honorary doctorate.
Talking about the award, Sally said: "I am deeply humbled and incredibly grateful to receive the Honorary Doctorate and would like to thank the university for this recognition.
"The honour is especially meaningful because 40 years ago I began my nurse training right here in the Black Country at Sandwell School of Nursing, so this is a full circle moment for me.
"I accept this honour on behalf of my fellow nurse colleagues, who continue to lift, teach and remind me every day why my work matters."
Covid-19 pandemic
As well as her industry expertise, Sally was also honoured for her efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022, in which she played a pivotal role in the response services.
Over the course of the pandemic, Sally worked tirelessly to establish dozens of testing hubs across the region and helped organise the vaccine rollout in the Black Country.
She was later awarded the University of Wolverhampton's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022, and continues to passionately support Wolverhampton and its residents.
