Narendra Patel, Baron Patel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Patel
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| Chancellor of the University of Dundee |
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| In office 2006–2017 |
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| Preceded by | Sir James Black |
| Succeeded by | Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell |
| Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal |
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| Assumed office 1 March 1999 Life peerage |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 May 1938 Lindi, Tanganyika (now Tanzania) |
| Political party | None (crossbencher) |
| Spouse | Helen Dally |
| Alma mater | University of St Andrews (Queen's College, now University of Dundee) |
| Profession | Obstetrician |
Narendra Babubhai Patel, Baron Patel (born 11 May 1938) is a famous Tanzanian-British doctor. He is an obstetrician, which means he is a doctor who specializes in caring for women during pregnancy and childbirth.
Lord Patel is also a crossbench life peer. This means he is a member of the House of Lords, which is part of the UK Parliament. He doesn't belong to a specific political party. He was the head of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists from 1995 to 1998. He also served as the Chancellor of the University of Dundee from 2006 to 2017.
Early Life and Education
Narendra Patel was born on 11 May 1938 in a place called Lindi, which was then part of Tanganyika. Today, this country is known as Tanzania. His family had moved there from India.
He studied medicine at Queen's College, which was part of the University of St Andrews at the time. This college is now known as the University of Dundee. He finished his medical studies in 1964. After becoming a doctor, he worked for over thirty years at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. In 1974, he became a senior doctor there, known as a consultant obstetrician.
Lord Patel was very interested in helping mothers with difficult pregnancies. He also focused on babies who were born too early or were not growing well. He worked to improve the quality of healthcare for mothers and babies.
Medical Career and Leadership
Lord Patel became a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 1969. This is a special group for doctors who work in his field. Later, he became a Fellow of this college in 1988. He was also chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1999.
He held important leadership roles in medical groups. From 1995 to 1998, he was the President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Before that, he was the Honorary Secretary and Vice-President. He also led groups that brought together different medical colleges in Scotland and the whole UK.
Lord Patel has also been involved with the charity "Attend." He was the vice president from 2012 to 2014, and then he became the president of the organization.
Awards and Honours
Lord Patel has received many special awards for his work. In 1997, he was given a knighthood. This meant he could be called "Sir." Then, in 1999, he was made a life peer. This is how he became Baron Patel, which means he became a Lord for life and could sit in the House of Lords.
In Parliament, he has been part of groups that focus on important health topics. These include groups that look at maternity services (care for pregnant women) and infertility services (help for people who can't have children easily). He has also been part of the Science and Technology committee.
In 2006, Lord Patel was appointed Chancellor of the University of Dundee. This is a very important and ceremonial role, like being the head of the university.
He has received many honorary fellowships and degrees from universities and medical groups around the world. These are special awards given to people who have achieved great things. Some of these include awards from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. He also has honorary degrees from universities like Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Dundee.
On 30 November 2009, Lord Patel received a very high honour from Queen Elizabeth II. He was appointed to the Order of the Thistle. This is the highest award for chivalry in Scotland. It is given to Scottish men and women who have done great things for their country. Lord Patel was the first person of Asian background to receive this award in its long history. The Queen officially presented him with the award in 2010.
Lord Patel is also a patron of "SafeHands for Mothers." This is a charity that works to improve the health of mothers and newborn babies. They do this by making films to share important information.
In 2023, Lord Patel took part in the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla. He had the special role of presenting the Coronation Ring to the King during the ceremony.
