NHS hero honoured

She joined the hospital in Twickenham Road, Isleworth, as a young assistant medical officer in 1926 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming deputy medical director in 1931 and a consultant in 1948.

In 1936, she found herself responsible for 714 'incurable' patients in the hospital's 'chronic sick' wards.

By examining them all individually, making an accurate diagnosis and assessing their needs, she ensured many of them could return home rather than being left to die on the ward.

In changing the emphasis of care for the elderly from maintenance to rehabilitation, and allowing them to lead as normal a life as possible, she laid the foundations for geriatrics as we know it today.

Dr Warren built up the hospital's geriatric unit, upgrading the wards to improve the morale of patients and staff, and inspiring her colleagues with the same enthusiasm and ideals.

She also wrote a number of highly influential papers calling for specialist geriatric units to be established in hospitals across the country.

Her career was tragically cut short when she died in a car crash in 1960, aged 62, the year after being made a CBE.

But West Mid's Marjory Warren medical centre provides a lasting reminder of her achievements at the hospital.

Dr John Platt, consultant in general medicine and care of the elderly at West Mid, said: "Dr Warren has been called the midwife of the speciality of geriatric medicine, having fought tirelessly for specialist assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of older people with illnesses and disabilities.

"It is a fitting tribute to her to be recognised as one of the most influential people in the history of the NHS."

Nye Bevan, founder of the NHS, topped the list, while Tony Blair came eighth.