March 19th: Today’s Feature

March

Ade Williams, a pharmacist from Bristol, was awarded an honorary degree at UWE Bristol's summer graduation ceremonies held at Bristol Cathedral. This prestigious recognition was rewarded to him along with six other individuals who have demonstrated exceptional expertise and leadership in various domains such as health, climate change, science communication, and architectural education.

Each of the recipients was acknowledged for their remarkable accomplishments in their respective fields and for making significant contributions not only to the university but also to the broader Bristol region. This recognition highlights their outstanding achievements and the impact they have had on their chosen areas of expertise. Ade Williams' dedication and expertise as a pharmacist have undoubtedly played a crucial role in his selection for this prestigious accolade.

The honorary degree serves as a testament to the recipients' commitment to excellence and their unwavering dedication to their professions. It also underscores the importance of their contributions to the university and the wider community. Ade Williams' recognition as one of the recipients further solidifies his position as a respected figure in the field of pharmacy and showcases his significant influence in the Bristol region.

Ade holds the esteemed position of superintendent at the renowned Bedminster Pharmacy in Bristol, which has received numerous accolades for its exceptional services. Additionally, he serves as the Lead Pharmacist at the esteemed Bristol Travel Clinic. His dedication and efforts in promoting access to healthcare and increasing vaccine uptake have earned him the well-deserved title of an NHS Vaccine Hero.

In recognition of his outstanding service to the NHS, Ade was honoured with an MBE in 2022. His commitment to public health and his contributions to the field have also led to his fellowship with both the Royal Society of Arts and the Royal Society for Public Health. Furthermore, Ade is a distinguished Fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and serves as the profession's Patient Champion, advocating for the well-being and rights of patients.

Ade took the initiative to raise awareness among the residents of South Bristol about the increased demand at local pharmacies. Recognizing the need for a creative solution, he reached out to the local media to explain the situation. However, Ade didn't stop there. He went above and beyond by collaborating with a local running group and utilizing Facebook to establish a medicines delivery service. This innovative approach allowed vulnerable patients to receive their medications conveniently. Remarkably, this model was so successful that it has been replicated across the entire country.

The impact of Ade's actions was significant. By implementing the medicines delivery service, the number of patients needing to physically collect their medications from Ade's pharmacy decreased. This not only alleviated the burden on the pharmacy team but also had a positive effect on the patients themselves. With a better understanding of the team's workload, people became less agitated and more patient. This outcome was not only appreciated by the patients but also by Ade's colleagues, who were relieved to witness these benefits firsthand.

Ade's leadership style is commendable. Rather than waiting for others to take the lead, he took the initiative to bring about positive change. His willingness to embrace new ideas and think outside the box was instrumental in the success of the medicines delivery service. Ade attributes this leadership and empowerment to his participation in the Mary Seacole program, where he learned the importance of taking charge and making a difference. His story serves as an inspiration for others to step up and create positive change in their communities.