The 2025 New Year Honours List is a royal UK tradition. This year it has yet again shone a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of NHS staff. Recognising the unwavering dedication of nurses, doctors, surgeons, and healthcare leaders across the United Kingdom. These awards come at a time when the NHS has faced unparalleled challenges, delivering record levels of treatment while innovating in critical areas like personalised cancer vaccines and mental health crisis support.
This tradition of honouring public servants follows similar recognition in the past for NHS contributions, such as the Queen’s Birthday Honours and the special COVID-19 response awards, which acknowledged exceptional efforts during the pandemic.
NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard reflected on the year’s milestones and challenges:
“As we conclude a year in which the NHS has delivered record levels of treatment amid record demand, it is fantastic to see so many of our colleagues honoured for their contributions. These individuals have transformed patients’ lives through ground-breaking treatments, narrowing health inequalities, and preventing life-threatening conditions like heart attacks and strokes.”
The honours list celebrates individuals who have shaped the NHS’s success, from those introducing cutting-edge therapies to those tirelessly working behind the scenes.
Highlights from the 2025 Honours List
John Stewart: A Visionary in Specialised Commissioning
Awarded a CBE, John Stewart has led the £25 billion portfolio of specialised NHS services, including initiatives like the Cancer Drugs Fund, which has provided early access to transformative treatments for over 100,000 patients. His efforts in rolling out innovative therapies, such as CAR-T therapy for cancer and PrEP for HIV, have redefined patient care.
“Improving the quality of patient care is a team sport,” Mr Stewart remarked. “This award reflects the achievements of the brilliant teams I’ve had the privilege of working with.”
Marie Gabriel DBE: A Champion for Equity
Marie Gabriel, Chair of NHS North East London, received a Damehood for her trailblazing work in promoting health equity and tackling racial bias in healthcare. She emphasised the importance of community-driven approaches:
“This recognition is a reflection of the communities, organisations, and colleagues I work with. Together, we are striving to deliver improved health outcomes for everyone.”
Joe Harrison: Digital Innovation Leader
Joe Harrison, awarded a CBE, has been pivotal in advancing the NHS App, which has transformed how millions of patients access care. His contributions to digital healthcare reflect the NHS’s forward-thinking approach to patient engagement.
This year’s honours celebrate not only leaders but also individuals on the frontlines, such as:
- Ben Hawkins (BEM): A community first responder recognised for championing mental health support for emergency service workers.
- Dr Matt Kearney (OBE): Honoured for revolutionising cardiovascular disease prevention through innovative tools like CVDprevent.
- Professor Stephanie Amiel DBE: Acknowledged for advancing care for people with diabetes through collaborative and technology-driven approaches.
Among those honoured were Dr Safa Taha Al-Sarra and Professor Keyoumars Ashkan, who were awarded OBEs and MBEs, respectively, for their expertise in neuropathology and neurosurgery. Leaders such as Julian Emms and Susan Jacques, both Chief Executives in NHS Foundation Trusts, also received OBEs for their service to the NHS. Recognition extended to areas such as blood and plasma services, with Dr Gail Miflin honoured for her critical work as Chief Medical Officer at NHS Blood and Transplant. Matilda Asante-Owusu and Marimouttou Coumarassamy were awarded MBEs for their contributions to nursing and support for international healthcare workers.
Additional honours celebrated achievements in mental health, paediatric haematology, and healthcare volunteering. Professor Ajay Vora received an MBE for advancing care in childhood leukaemia, while Dr Marion Andrews-Evans was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her dedication to nursing and health services in Gloucestershire. Volunteers like Evelyn Blumenthal, recognised for her work with dementia patients, and healthcare leaders such as Darren Farmer and Lisa Ward, who received the King’s Ambulance Medal, further highlight the diverse efforts across the NHS to improve patient care and outcomes.
The Challenges Behind the Success
Despite these achievements, NHS staff continue to navigate significant challenges, including funding constraints and rising demand for services. Many recipients expressed their gratitude while acknowledging the collective effort required to sustain and improve the NHS.
Dame Marie Gabriel summarised the sentiment:
“People in the NHS work tirelessly to ensure high-quality care for all. This recognition is a moment to celebrate, but it also reminds us of the work ahead to achieve equity and excellence in healthcare.”
As the NHS grapples with funding pressures, the importance of investing in innovation and workforce development becomes increasingly evident. Recent advancements, such as personalised cancer vaccines and data-driven tools for cardiovascular health, highlight the potential for transformative change. However, sustained funding will be critical to ensuring these breakthroughs benefit all patients.
Efforts to secure resources for research and infrastructure, particularly for addressing health inequalities, remain at the forefront of the NHS’s priorities. Leaders are optimistic about future collaborations between healthcare providers, policymakers, and private organisations to continue driving progress.
The 2025 New Year Honours List is a testament to the extraordinary contributions of NHS staff who work tirelessly to improve the lives of patients. These awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also reflect the collective spirit of an institution that is central to the health and well-being of the nation.
As the NHS looks to the future, the need for sustained support and investment is clear. With a focus on innovation and equity, the health service is poised to meet the challenges ahead, building on the legacy of those honoured this year.