The founder of a veterans’ service at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic hospital has been recognised at in King’s birthday honours.

Lieutenant Colonel Carl Meyer, Clinical Director and founder of the hospital Veterans’ Orthopaedic Service, has been recognised in the latest set of honours.

Carl has been maned an Officer of the Order of the British Empire – more commonly known as an OBE. The honour is in recognition of his service to the British Army and to the veterans community.

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“It was a huge shock when I found out that I was to be recognised with this honour. I am both proud and extremely honoured,” said Carl.

“I see it as recognition for the importance of supporting our veterans, to whom, as a nation, we owe a debt of gratitude.

“Receiving this honour strengthens my desire to ensure we continue to develop our veterans services here at RJAH as well as helping other hospitals to develop their own services.”

Carl was instrumental in the creation of Headley Court, “a pioneering healthcare facility, the first dedicated orthopaedic centre for Armed Forces veterans in the UK, at Shropshire’s specialist orthopaedic hospital”.

 The £6 million two-storey building features nine standard examination and clinic rooms, an enhanced treatment room for minor outpatient procedures, an assessment room, a splinting and therapy room, as well as clinic space for virtual appointments.

In the main entrance of the building, there is the RV café and dedicated Veterans’ Hub where Shropshire Council and various military charities provide support to veteran patients and their family and friends, with issues that range from homelessness, finance, debt management, welfare, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), benefits and more.