Two Dudley Group pharmacists whose work is helping to prevent ill health, tackle inequalities and bring specialist care closer to patients have been shortlisted for prestigious national awards.
Sarah Baig, Pharmacy Professional Development and Governance Lead, has been shortlisted for the Public Health Impact Award, while Nazir Hussain, Specialist Respiratory Pharmacist, has been shortlisted for Clinician of the Year at the National B.A.M.E Health and Care Awards 2026.
The awards celebrate the achievements of Black, Asian and minority ethnic professionals working across health and social care, recognising those making an exceptional difference to patients, colleagues and communities.
For Sarah and Nazir, the nominations follow years of work extending the impact of pharmacy beyond traditional boundaries, from taking preventative healthcare into the community to developing new ways for people with respiratory conditions to receive specialist assessment and treatment closer to home.
Sarah Baig – Public Health Impact Award
Sarah combines her role at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust with her work as an Associate Professor in Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Birmingham, bringing together patient care, professional education and the development of the pharmacy workforce.
At The Dudley Group, Sarah supports professional development and governance across pharmacy while championing a greater role for pharmacists and future healthcare professionals in prevention and population health. By helping pharmacy students engage meaningfully in public health, she is equipping the next generation with the skills, confidence and behaviours to build a proactive, future-focused workforce that makes a lasting difference to communities.
Sarah said, “I’m incredibly proud and honoured to have been shortlisted for the Public Health Impact Award. It’s a privilege to have the work I do recognised in this way, particularly alongside so many inspiring people working across health and care.
“I’m passionate about making a positive change for patients, colleagues and our communities, and this nomination is a wonderful reminder of the impact that can be achieved through working together and continually looking for ways to improve the care and support we provide.”
Nazir Hussain – Clinician of the Year
As Specialist Respiratory Pharmacist at The Dudley Group and Respiratory Workstream Lead Pharmacist for the Black Country Integrated Care Board, he has championed a more proactive approach to conditions including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Nazir has gained national recognition for transforming community respiratory care. His work has received several national and international awards, five HSJ nominations and recognition from NICE and NHS England.
Nazir said, “I’m incredibly proud to be nominated for Clinician of the Year. For me, it’s not just individual recognition, it reflects the patients, communities and colleagues who have shaped my journey. My work has always been about improving the patient journey and reaching those who experience the poorest outcomes. I hope this recognition also inspires others to see what’s possible, take opportunities and make a difference in their own way.”
Group Chief Executive at The Dudley Group, Diane Wake, said, “I would like to congratulate Sarah and Nazir on this fantastic achievement and on their well-deserved recognition at the National BAME Health and Care Awards.
“Both colleagues make an important difference to our patients, our staff and the communities we serve, and these nominations are a wonderful reflection of their commitment, expertise and dedication.”
The National BAME Health and Care Awards 2026 will take on Thursday 17 September in London.