“Receiving the RPS Charter Award is profoundly humbling”- says Ade Williams
Adeyemi (Ade) Williams MBE, FRPharmS, a prominent figure in Bristol’s healthcare community, has been honoured with the RPS Charter Award for his exceptional contributions to pharmacy and patient care.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) on Tuesday announced Williams as the latest recipient of the prestigious award.
The award was presented to Williams by RPS Chief Executive Officer Paul Bennett and President Professor Claire Anderson during an event held at the DoubleTree Cadbury House Hotel in Bristol on Tuesday, June 18.
Williams, who serves as the Director and Superintendent Pharmacist of M J Williams Pharmacy Group and Leading Prescribing Pharmacist at the multi-award-winning Bedminster Pharmacy, has consistently demonstrated pharmacy’s crucial role in delivering comprehensive and affordable healthcare solutions for the community.
Williams’ dedication to pharmacy and patient care has been widely recognised. In 2022, he received an MBE for his service to the NHS and has been recognised as an NHS Vaccine Hero for his efforts in promoting vaccination access and uptake.
He is also a Fellow of the RPS, a prescribing pharmacist at Broadmead Medical Practice and a Trustee of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Williams frequently engages with national and regional media, highlighting the important role of pharmacists in patient care.
Receiving the RPS Charter Award, Williams recalled how his first college tutor, Caroline Cook, a pharmacist, taught him the importance of "seeing people," a lesson that his pharmacist-wife, Jess, exemplified through her work.
“I am privileged that the Pharmacy profession allows us to embody such transformative values unapologetically. Liberating people from ill health and social injustice, not only enhances dignity and quality of life but also sows seeds of Hope. The trust and confidence the public places in pharmacy teams inspire us, especially me, to strive daily to make a difference within and beyond the confines of pharmacy premises.
“I am deeply grateful for the goodwill, generosity, and encouragement of so many who have enabled me in this pursuit. However, I owe an irredeemable debt to all community pharmacy colleagues, especially my team at Bedminster Pharmacy. Our collective dedication and sacrifice frames Pharmacy's narrative as stalwarts of the NHS and garners the deep affection in the many communities who have adopted us into their hearts,” he said.
RPS CEO Paul Bennett noted that Williams’ outstanding contributions to both the RPS and the wider pharmacy profession exemplify “the highest standards of commitment to improving pharmacy practice and patient care.”
RPS President, Professor Claire Anderson, added that Williams’ hard work and dedication have made a big difference in patient care and public health.
“Ade’s efforts in promoting vaccination access and supporting the community during challenging times highlight his commitment to the profession. It is a privilege to present the Charter award to Ade and I congratulate him on this and all of his achievements,” she said.
