Former chief executive of NHS England, Amanda Pritchard, becomes a dame in recognition of her service to the NHS, including being the first woman in the health service's history to hold the post of NHS chief executive, having began her NHS career as a graduate management trainee in 1997.
After leaving NHS England, Pritchard returned to be chief executive of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in September 2025, where she held the role previously. She was also previously deputy chief executive at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust and served as a health team leader in the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit.
Pritchard said: 'I am deeply honoured to receive this award, which reflects the extraordinary achievements of so many people across the NHS past and present. The health service cares for over 1.7m people every day, with dedicated staff going above and beyond, time and again, for patients and their families.
'Their commitment was never clearer than during the Covid pandemic, including the NHS's world-leading vaccine rollout. It was an enormous privilege to lead the NHS in England through what was undoubtedly the greatest challenge in the health service's history.
'Staff have continued to show the same commitment and passion to recover services, innovate and transform care for the future. I am delighted to be back now on the front line of the NHS, continuing to play my part alongside extraordinary colleagues across the health service and beyond who are committed to providing high quality healthcare for all, now and for future generations. This honour belongs to them all.'
Consultant histopathologist Dr Suzy Lishman, who is also a medical examiner at Peterborough City Hospital, also becomes a dame. She played a key role in improving patient safety and supporting bereaved families through the introduction of the national medical examiner service. She has worked on the scheme for more than a decade and has trained over 2,000 medical examiners from across the country.
Chief executive of NHS England, Sir James Mackey, said: ‘It is incredible to see so many of our colleagues honoured for their commitment – from Amanda Pritchard, the first female chief executive of the NHS, to the clinicians transforming children's care - we are incredibly grateful for the hard work of those who have continuously gone above and beyond for NHS patients.'
Health minister, Baroness Merron, added: 'All those recognised in the list have demonstrated the highest levels of integrity and unwavering commitment to the health and social care sector.'
Around three dozen NHS staff including nurses, surgeons, and GPs have been recognised for their service.
Saffron Cordery, NHS Providers deputy chief executive, has been awarded an OBE. She has been in her post since 2018, after she began working in the healthcare sector in 2007. Cordery is a trustee of GambleAware and is committed to equity and justice for women and girls.
Jackie Hanson, former regional chief nurse for NHS England, received an MBE for her services to the nursing profession and health services leadership.
Dr Michael Marsh, NHS England's former South West medical director, was also recognised with an MBE for his contributions to healthcare, including establishing the first Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital Southampton.
Also recognised was South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust chief executive, Vanessa Ford, who was awarded an MBE in recognition of her leadership and commitment to improving mental health services.
Retired doctor, Dr Maeve Keaney, was recognised with an MBE for services to refugee doctors in Manchester, after establishing the Refugee and Asylum Seekers Centre for Healthcare Professionals Education project in 2003 – a programme that has supported hundreds of refugee and asylum seeker doctors and nurses to regain their professional identity and return to clinical work in the NHS.
Twins Ryan Appleton and Dean Appleton from Colchester, who are both community first responders, are to receive British Empire Medals for services to the community in the East of England.
