16/06/2025
Chief Executive of the Western Trust Neil Guckian extended his warmest congratulations to Dr Anne Friel, recently retired as Head of Pharmacy and Medicines Management at the Trust and Hospital Volunteer Wallace Nutt on their much deserved recognition in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
Dr Anne Friel became Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to Pharmacy in Northern Ireland.
Throughout her career Dr Friel has provided tremendous strategic and operational leadership in the development of pharmaceutical services, medicines management and optimisation as well as clinical governance within the Trust. Her commitment over the years transformed pharmacy to the benefit of our patients and the multi-disciplinary team.
She also developed pharmacy services to improve treatment for those at end of life, as well as to older people and introduced robotics to the Pharmacy Department for dispensing, providing a leading edge approach.
Dr Friel has been instrumental in the introduction of Consultant Pharmacists to Northern Ireland. She also has had a key role in the implementation of Foundation Training. Both of these empower Pharmacists to take on an even greater role in patient care. She has always made sure that the role of pharmacy is recognised within the Trust and worked diligently to increase its prominence and contribution.
Western Trust Chief Executive Neil Guckian said:
“This honour is truly deserved by Dr Anne Friel. Anne has been a role model and a mentor to many. She is a shining example of someone who is totally dedicated to providing the highest quality service for patients and her wider team.
“Anne has made huge contributions to pharmacy developments which earned her wide respect amongst Pharmacists and other clinical professions. Throughout her career Anne has been committed to research and development, delivering new approaches to pharmacy and medicines management and has nurtured and empowered many pharmacists throughout their career. Throughout her leadership Anne’s humble nature and empathy was evident in everything she did for the benefit of patients and colleagues.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to her on this richly deserved honour.”
Speaking about her award Dr Anne Friel said:
“I am delighted that 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.”
Wallace Nutt received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to volunteering.
Wallace has been a Western Trust volunteer since his retirement in 2010, he has volunteered across a number of Trust departments including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Outpatients Department, the Macmillan Information and Support Hub and the inpatient Cancer Ward. Through all of these roles Wallace’s kind and giving nature has been apparent. He has a gentle, calming nature which lends itself easily to volunteering. Wallace’s various roles has meant his volunteering has impacted every part of hospital life. We cannot underestimate the difference he has made to so many within the Western Trust.
His involvement in these roles reflects his willingness to undertake new challenges. He offers unwavering support to ensure each volunteer role benefits patients, staff and volunteers themselves.
Wallace was an integral part of two different volunteer team awards. He was a Macmillan information support volunteer when the Trust received the Team award in 2019. He was also an integral part of the robust process of the Trust achieving the Investing in Volunteering award, with the Western Trust being the first Health Trust in Northern Ireland to receive such an accolade, his eagerness to participate meant the process was seamless and he was recognised as a perfect example of Western Trust volunteering.
The Trust Volunteer team are very proud that Wallace has been awarded the BEM in recognition of his volunteering.
Congratulating Wallace Nutt on his recognition, Chief Executive Neil Guckian said:
“I am delighted that Wallace has received this recognition. In the Western Trust we truly appreciate the invaluable contribution our volunteers make to patients and staff both in our hospital and community settings. We cannot underestimate the commitment and dedication Wallace has given.
“We are very fortunate to have such devoted volunteers whose contribution complements the services provided by the Western Trust. The loyalty and dedication of our volunteers is truly inspiring, they offer so much to enhance the experience of our patients and clients. Thank you and congratulations Wallace.”