Laura McIver recognised in King’s New Year Honours
Laura McIver, our recently retired Chief Pharmacist, has been awarded a CBE in the King’s New Year Honours.
Laura joined Healthcare Improvement Scotland in June 2011 as the HIS Chief Pharmacist, prior to that she was the first Chief Pharmaceutical Adviser to the Scottish Medicines Consortium.
In that role Laura led the introduction of programmes such as a horizon scanning system for new medicines and helping tackling antimicrobial resistance through effective antimicrobial stewardship, establishing the Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group (SAPG).
Commenting on receiving her CBE, Laura McIver said:
“I am delighted that through this award the pharmacy profession and pharmacy teams are recognised for their critical contribution to patient care and the NHS in Scotland.
“As the daughter of a migrant and part of the first generation in my family to progress to University, this is also an acknowledgment of the hard work, sacrifice and support from my parents. It is also a celebration of the educational and career opportunities that Scotland offers to all. I hope this story inspires others.
“I would like to thank all the wonderful colleagues that have mentored, collaborated and worked with me throughout my career to deliver and improve care for patients.”
Speaking of the award, Dr Simon Watson, Healthcare Improvement Scotland’s Medical Director and Director of Safety, said:
“I am delighted that the King has honoured Laura for the major contribution she made to the pharmacy profession and patient safety. Throughout her career, Laura was a force of nature; driving safe, effective, and equitable clinical care in Scotland. She also made huge contributions to pharmacy professional practice and clinical governance which earned her wide respect amongst pharmacists and other clinical professions.
“As our Chief Pharmacist, Laura relentlessly applied her high intelligence, knowledge, and leadership to complex and challenging problems. She made a vital contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading key initiatives to ensure safe and effective pharmaceutical care to vulnerable patient groups. Laura is an exemplary clinician and clinical leader who made a profound impression on Healthcare Improvement Scotland and the wider pharmacy profession in the UK. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to her for this richly deserved honour.”
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