The Pharmaceutical Journal
Two pharmacists have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for 2025.
Amish Patel, a community pharmacist from London, was given the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to community pharmacy.
Patel qualified as a pharmacist in 2008 and is the director of Hodgson Pharmacy, London, an independent prescriber and chair of the Kent Local Pharmaceutical Committee.
Patel told The Pharmaceutical Journal that it was “an honour to receive the award”.
“I’m still on cloud nine and lost for words. It has to be the highlight of my career so far. I found out upon returning from holiday for my 40th birthday. What a birthday present!”
Also recognised was Anna Friel, former head of pharmacy and medicines management at the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland, who received an MBE for services to pharmacy in Northern Ireland.
A statement published by the Western Health and Social Care Trust on 16 June 2025, said: “[Friel’s] commitment over the years transformed pharmacy to the benefit of our patients and the multidisciplinary team.”
During her career, Friel developed pharmacy services to support patients at the end of life and introduced robotics to the Western Health and Social Care Trust’s pharmacy department.
Friel commented: “Through this award the pharmacy profession and pharmacy teams are recognised for their critical contribution to patient care. I can think of many people working in pharmacy and medicines management who deserve such recognition.
“I have been inspired by so many throughout my career and want to use this as an opportunity to celebrate our profession and thank all my wonderful colleagues that have mentored and worked with me throughout the years to ensure the highest quality care to patients, which is what we are all about,” she added.
