Paul Gillis
Ade Williams, a Bristol-based pharmacist, has been given the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Charter Award, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to pharmacy and patient care.
The RPS said that Williams, who is director and superintendent pharmacist of M J Williams Pharmacy Group and lead prescribing pharmacist at Bedminster Pharmacy in Bristol, had “consistently demonstrated pharmacy’s role in providing comprehensive and affordable healthcare solutions for the community”.
Williams, an RPS Fellow, was awarded an MBE in 2022 for services to the NHS and named an NHS Vaccine Hero for his work promoting access and increasing uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations.
He sits on the governing council of the General Pharmaceutical Council, was awarded an honorary degree by the University of the West of England Bristol in 2023, and often appears on regional and national media discussing the role pharmacists can play in patient care.
The RPS Charter Award is given to a pharmacist for work done “for the Society and the wider profession” in promoting the interests of pharmacy at an outstanding level.
Charter Medals are only awarded if there is a suitable candidate and are not presented every year.
Williams, who received his award from Claire Anderson, president of the RPS, and Paul Bennett, chief executive of the RPS, during the Society’s ‘National Pharmacy Board Day’, held in Bristol on 18 June 2024, said that receiving the Charter Award was “profoundly humbling”.
“My first college tutor, Caroline Cook — a pharmacist — instilled in me the importance of ‘seeing people’, a lesson Jess — my pharmacist wife — defined by her example,” he said.
“I am privileged that the pharmacy profession allows us to embody such transformative values unapologetically.
“The trust and confidence the public places in pharmacy teams inspires us, especially me, to strive daily to make a difference within and beyond the confines of pharmacy premises.
“I am deeply grateful for the goodwill, generosity, and encouragement of so many who have enabled me in this pursuit. However, I owe an irredeemable debt to all community pharmacy colleagues, especially my team at Bedminster Pharmacy.”
Commenting on the award, Anderson said: “Ade’s hard work and dedication have made a big difference in patient care and public health.
“Ade’s efforts in promoting vaccination access and supporting the community during challenging times highlight his commitment to the profession.”
Bennett commented: ”Ade’s outstanding contributions to both the RPS and the wider pharmacy profession exemplify the highest standards of commitment to improving pharmacy practice and patient care.”
