Former Health Hero recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours list

Professor Stephen Jolles, Consultant Clinical Immunologist at the University Hospital of Wales and Honorary Professor at Cardiff University, has been awarded an OBE in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours, in recognition of his services to Immunology and Rare Disease.

Professor Jolles, who was previously recognised as a Cardiff and Vale UHB Health Hero in March 2025, leads the Immunodeficiency Centre for Wales and is a co-founder of the innovative SWAN clinic. The “Syndrome Without A Name” clinic supports adults and children with undiagnosed genetic conditions that often present with multiple, complex symptoms. With the aim of finding a unifying diagnosis, the clinic provides holistic care and, where available, a targeted treatment plan.

Among many projects, Professor Jolles developed the first national screening programme for antibody deficiency across Wales. By measuring protein levels in the blood through a globulin test, which is often included as part of routine liver function testing, the initiative helps identify deficiencies as early as possible, before they can lead to infection and serious illness.

This affordable screening approach is now being adopted all over the world. In addition to its original purpose, it has also helped improve care for patients with schizophrenia by highlighting that clozapine, a commonly used treatment for the condition, can lead to an acquired antibody deficiency in some patients. This has supported improved patient safety and enabled more targeted treatment approaches where needed.

In collaboration with Newcastle Transplant Unit, Professor Jolles has also successfully established bone marrow transplantation clinics for children and adults with immunodeficiency. This has helped ensure that this potentially curative treatment option is available to all eligible patients in Wales.

Reflecting on receiving his OBE, Professor Jolles said:

“This award is not only for me but for the whole wonderful Immunology Team and the many patients who have helped with our research. Patients with immunodeficiency and rare disease often have a very long and difficult time before they get a diagnosis and the correct treatment. We are dedicated to shortening that journey.

“I’m very honoured to have been given this award and my thanks goes to all my colleagues both in Wales and around the world who have helped and supported our patients. These diseases perhaps more than any others require collaboration – often global collaboration – for diagnosis and optimal treatment.”