NHS staff across London and beyond have been recognised in this year’s list for their outstanding contributions to healthcare, spanning fields from mental health nursing and cardiovascular medicine to dentistry and public health.
Dame Caroline Clarke, regional director for the NHS in London, said: “All staff in London have gone above and beyond this year, from treating patients in our hospitals and communities, to leading the way in life-saving research and innovation.
“It is great to see the breadth of the incredible work our staff do reflected in the honours awarded this year, and I want to congratulate everyone receiving this well-deserved recognition for their commitment to the NHS, and the work they do every day to protect and improve the health of all Londoners.”
Among the most prominent recipients is Amanda Pritchard, former NHS England chief executive and current chief executive of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, who has been made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE).
Ms Pritchard said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award, which reflects the extraordinary achievements of so many people across the NHS past and present.
“The health service cares for over 1.7 million people every day, with dedicated staff going above and beyond, time and again, for patients and their families.
“This honour belongs to them all.”
Vanessa Ford, chief executive of South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust (SWLStG), was awarded an MBE for her leadership and services to mental health nursing.
Ms Ford said: “This honour recognises the incredible work of people across SWLStG – our patients, their carers, our staff and our communities.
“I am fortunate to work alongside diverse, talented and compassionate people who work tirelessly to reduce the stigma of mental ill health and improve care for all of our communities.
“Receiving this award is an absolute honour, and one that belongs to us all.”
With more than 20 years of clinical and operational experience, Ms Ford has been instrumental in shaping mental health strategy across London.
She currently serves as the lead chief executive for London Mental Health Strategy for the NHS London Region, the senior responsible officer for mental health in South West London, and chief place officer for the Borough of Merton.
Dominique Allwood, director of population health at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, was also named an MBE for her services to the NHS.
Dr Allwood said: “It is a huge honour to be recognised in the King’s New Year Honours list.
“Improving health and tackling inequalities is very much a team effort and this recognition reflects many years of serving alongside colleagues across the NHS and wider partners.”
Other honourees include Professor Tara Frances Renton, Emeritus Professor in Oral Surgery at King’s College London, who was named an OBE for services to dentistry, and Kulwant Singh Sehmi, former departmental head of imaging at Moorfields Eye Hospital.
Lorenzo Garagnani, consultant orthopaedic hand and wrist surgeon at Guy’s and St Thomas’, was recognised for his services to children with hand and upper limb differences.
Professor Neil Reginald Poulter of Imperial College London was honoured for his contributions to hypertension prevention.
Judith Frances Dewinter, chair of The Royal Free Charity, was recognised for her dedication to supporting the health service through charitable work.
The list of honourees reflects the diversity and depth of talent within the NHS.
It comes at the end of a year characterised by record patient demand, rising winter pressures, and ongoing efforts to reduce waiting times and improve services.
