Professor John Brennan, interim medical director and consultant vascular surgeon at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has been honoured with a lifetime achievement award by the Vascular Society.

The award recognises Prof Brennan’s contribution to vascular surgery over the last 25 years and his role at the forefront of vascular education during that time.

Prof Brennan has worked at the trust’s Royal Liverpool University Hospital since 1997 and in 2021 he was appointed interim medical director.

Prof Brennan said: “I am honoured to have been presented with this lifetime achievement award. Whilst it is a personal award it is, of course, a reflection of the outstanding team effort in Liverpool. I have had the pleasure of working with tremendously supportive colleagues and together we have created an excellent service and this award is in recognition of everyone’s contribution. I am incredibly proud of the work we do for our vascular patients.

"For decades Liverpool has been at the forefront of vascular surgery, and to have played a part in this has been a privilege.”

The Royal was one of the first vascular units in the UK to perform endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) - a minimally invasive keyhole surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm, which can be life threatening if not treated. Prior to EVAR the alternative was major surgery, a much bigger procedure with potential for serious complications.

Sir David Dalton, interim chief executive at Liverpool University Hospitals, said: “I’d like to congratulate Professor Brennan on this significant award, which reflects the high quality of care he has overseen for more than two decades at the Trust. His expertise and experience of treating very difficult aneurysms has helped to build a hugely well-respected service for the people of Merseyside and beyond.”

Michael Jenkins, consultant vascular surgeon at Imperial College Healthcare and past president of the Vascular Society, presented Professor Brennan with his award at the 2021 Vascular Society ASM.

He said: "I was delighted to nominate John for this prestigious Vascular Society award which recognises his enormous contribution to vascular surgery over 25 years. I have worked with John on Council of both British Society of Endovascular Therapy and VSGBI as well as teaching with him on many courses.

"He has been at the forefront of vascular education for many years and countless trainees owe him a debt of gratitude for his contribution to their training. He is a thoroughly deserving recipient of this award.”