London Ambulance Chief Medical Officer Scoops MBE in New Year Honours
Dr Fenella Wrigley, Chief Medical Officer of the London Ambulance Service, has been awarded an MBE for her outstanding services to the NHS in the King’s New Year Honours list.
A Lifelong Dedication to London’s Emergency Care
Since graduating from St George’s University Medical School in 1996, Fenella has devoted her career to London’s emergency medicine. She trained in emergency medicine, served on London’s Air Ambulance, and became an A+E Consultant in 2006.
Joining the London Ambulance Service in 2008 as Assistant Medical Director, Fenella was appointed Chief Medical Officer in 2016 and more recently took on the role of Deputy Chief Executive. Despite her leadership roles, she still works regularly as a consultant in the emergency department at The Royal London Hospital under Barts Health NHS Trust.
Innovator Behind Groundbreaking NHS Emergency Initiatives
Fenella has spearheaded several pioneering projects to improve urgent and emergency care across London and nationally, including:
- Remote telephone assessments for patients
- Mental health joint response vehicles pairing paramedics with mental health specialists
- Integration of NHS 111 and 999 services to streamline urgent care access
She has also provided frontline care and strategic leadership during major incidents such as the 7/7 bombings, the Grenfell Tower fire, and the 2017 terrorist attacks.
Tributes Pour in From NHS Leaders and Colleagues
“I am truly honoured and humbled to receive this MBE,” said Fenella. “This achievement reflects the incredible teamwork at London Ambulance Service and The Royal London. Together, we deliver life-saving care when it’s needed most.”
Chief Executive Daniel Elkeles praised her commitment: “Fenella is dedicated to our patients’ health and tirelessly supports staff development.”
Shane DeGaris, Group Chief Executive of Barts Health NHS Trust added: “Fenella’s dedication at The Royal London Hospital has ensured top-quality patient care. This award is richly deserved.”
Still Giving Back Beyond the Job
A true NHS hero, Fenella also volunteers as a doctor for St John Ambulance, leading medical cover at ceremonial events. She serves as Chief Medical Officer for the All England Tennis Club, ensuring top medical care at Wimbledon.
Fenella’s impact stretches beyond London as she is the national medical advisor for ambulance services and has helped launch development programmes to advance paramedics’ careers, including the Trust’s first full-time pharmacist.
