ROYAL Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust consultant physician Dr Ian Gallen, has been appointed CBE for his services to Public Health.

Endocrinologist, Dr Gallen has a particular interest in community diabetes and for treating athletes with diabetes, most notably Sir Steve Redgrave, the five-time Olympic rowing champion.

READ ALSO: Reading's Rafina Cafe has two new owners who want to continue its legacy.

Dr Gallen joined the Royal Berkshire hospital in 2013 from Buckinghamshire Hospitals to take up a joint community hospital post.

After qualifying as a doctor from the University of London, Ian worked in a variety of roles including a fellowship at the Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, building up a specialist interest and knowledge in the management of diabetes for athletes and gestational diabetes that develops during pregnancy.

READ ALSO: Caversham Park, former home of BBC in Reading, is up for sale.

Dr Gallen said: “I am incredibly honoured and clearly delighted to have received this honour.

"I would like to particularly thank and recognise the team of nursing, midwifery and consultant colleagues I work with both here at the Royal Berkshire and in my previous roles who have made all this possible.

"It’s a huge privilege.”

Steve McManus, chief executive said: “We are incredibly proud of Dr Gallen being appointed to the honours list.

"The honour is hugely deserved as Ian is an outstanding doctor who shows incredible compassion and support for his patients but is also an inspiration to all his colleagues, sharing his knowledge and skills on the international stage as a speaker and teacher, in addition to his support of one of our most successful Olympians, Sir Steve Redgrave.

"We are all incredibly proud – well done Ian.”