A SOUTHAMPTON brain surgeon has been named one of the best leading medics in the country.

Paul Grundy, a consultant neurosurgeon at Southampton General Hospital, won the prestigious title of clinical leader of the year at the Health Service Journal Awards.

Judges described him as an “innovator” and during his time in the city he led the development of day-of-surgery admission with pre-assessment of elective cases and the opening of an eight-bed unit which has the lowest length of stay for neurosurgery in the country.

In addition to the individual prize, the research and development team at University Hospital Southampton collected the award for progressive research culture following a year which saw the Trust, in partnership with the University of Southampton, become the third highest recruiting to National Institute for Health Research portfolio studies and secure a further £27m investment.

Mark Hackett, chief executive of UHS, said: “These awards are fantastic achievements. I feel honoured and proud to work alongside such passionate, driven and model professionals.

“This has been a magnificent year of achievement across the trust – from doctors, surgeons and nurses, to researchers, support staff and those we work closely with at our partner organisations – and I am delighted our determination and vision to become a world-class centre of excellence is being recognised at the top.”