A Bermondsey primary school worker and three Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital members of staff were among those named in this year’s Queen’s birthday honours list.
Galleywall Primary School office manager Janie Ewing, who helped set up the City of London Academies Trust school, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her work.
The 52 year old has worked for nearly 20 years in Bermondsey primary schools in roles ranging from teaching assistant, to special educational needs co-ordinator and autism specialist – and is known for always going above the call of duty.
“I heard about the nomination a few weeks ago when a letter arrived from the Home Office,” said Janie.
“I thought I was being called for jury service and was completely stunned when I read the letter and saw I had been awarded a British Empire Medal.
“I am very honoured but also deeply aware that there are wonderful people in Galleywall Primary and Redriff Primary where I have worked who, in my view, have achieved astonishing things in the community and who have not been nominated.”
Three members of staff from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital have also been recognised in this year’s list.
Dr Nadine Hachach-Haram, a specialist registrar in plastic surgery, received a British Empire Medal for her services to surgery and innovation.
She co-founded Proximie – an award-winning augmented reality healthcare technology company which allows specialists to virtually transport themselves into any clinical setting around the world to assist local medical teams during consultations or procedures.
Dr Hachach-Haram, who is also a lecturer and NHS clinical entrepreneur, said: “I am incredibly proud and humbled to receive this award so early in my career.
“I’m passionate about innovation in healthcare and how we can leverage technology to improve the care our patients receive here in the UK and across the world.”
Professor Charles Wolfe, director of research and development, has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to stroke and public health medicine.
“I was surprised to find out about my OBE,” said Professor Wolfe, who is also Professor of Public Health at King’s College London.
“This isn’t just for me – it’s for people I’ve worked with over the years, particularly those I’ve worked with at Guy’s and St Thomas’ in the field of stroke. It’s a team effort.”
Dr David Craig, consultant and head of sedation and special care dentistry, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to dental patients.
“I’m delighted to receive this recognition; it’s lovely for our department too,” said Dr Craig.
“Training students and providing care for our patients is what makes our jobs so worthwhile.
“I feel so fortunate to have been at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and to have had the opportunity to work alongside so many wonderful colleagues.”
Janet Vitmayer CBE, formerly chief executive of the Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill, has also been appointed a dame for her services to museums and diversity.
In her 20 years at the helm of the Horniman, Janet led a series of successful capital developments and fundraising campaigns, resulting in the transformation of its galleries, buildings and gardens, and a trebling of visitor numbers.
Janet, who is currently a trustee at the Dulwich Picture Gallery, the Florence Nightingale Museum and the Hunterian Collection London, said: “I have worked alongside the most dedicated and inspirational people over the last 40 years, much credit goes to them.
“From my very first day I fell in love with the people visiting and participating in our museums; helping make visitors more reflective of our communities has filled me personally with great joy.
“I am touched to receive such a great honour.”
Recently retired Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, who led the Metropolitan Police’s response to the 2017 terror attacks, was also awarded a knighthood for his contribution to national security.
Dean Haydon, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations, has been awarded a Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) for distinguished service to policing.
DAC Haydon played a leading role in the investigations into the terrorist attacks in Westminster, London Bridge and Finsbury Park and the Manchester Arena attack, all in 2017, as well as the terrorist attacks in Tunisia in 2015 and 2016, the 7/7 attacks in London and 9/11 where he assisted in tracing British nationals.
Detective Chief Inspector Peter Sparks, who led the family liaison following the 2017 terror attacks in London and worked with bereaved families following the 7/7 London bombings and the murder of Lee Rigby, was awarded a Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) for distinguished services to policing.