What more genuine testimony and greater endorsement for your pharmacy than a nomination for the Pharmacy in Focus Commitment to Health and Social Well-being Award?

 Commitment to Health and Social Well-Being Award

Supported by Danone Baby Nutrition

This publicly-voted Award, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, was introduced last year and yielded an overwhelming number of nominations. It is designed to give customers the opportunity to nominate those who know them best as both patients and people for a prestigious Pharmacy in Focus Award.

It's no secret that some of pharmacy's biggest advocates are patients. With repeatedly and exceptionally high results from patient satisfaction surveys and footfall continuing to increase annually in Northern Ireland, it is clear why patients and customers are so trustingly dependent on the services and expert advice found in their community pharmacy.

Our 2008 winner, Aghalee Pharmacy, was lauded by one of their regular customers who trusted and depended on the advice and pharmaceutical care both him and his wife received on a daily basis. Mr Paddy Sutton cares for his wife Irene, who now lives permanently at home following a stroke. He commended Zita Graham and her team for their outstanding service and relies upon their daily assistance with Irene's medication, as well as his own healthcare needs.

Pharmacist Lorna Kelly, who accepted the Award at last year's event, said that the whole team were absolutely delighted to have been commended by their customers. We have all worked so hard to ensure that all of our community's healthcare needs are met locally, conveniently and effectively, she said. This is obviously recognised by our customers due to the nature of the Award, The fact that we are always willing in whatever way we can to help our customers is where our success is rooted and as we are based within a small community, we're often always the first port of call ñ not just for health queries but for all sorts of things people need to discuss.

The determination shown by pharmacists in Northern Ireland to continue to provide extended services, such as needle exchange programmes, methadone substitution or allergy testing, in the face of adversity such rising costs, economic cutbacks, professional uncertainties and cuts in funding, deserves more than just applause.

A province-wide press campaign will shortly be unveiled, to encourage the public to vote for their local community pharmacy and supporting literature and entry cards can be found within the forthcoming September edition of Pharmacy in Focus. These are key in promoting the Award and encouraging entries, so display them with pride!