I Love My Pharmacist Award 2016 launched to find ‘unsung pharmacy heroes’

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) launched its annual I Love My Pharmacist Award on 18 April 2016.

For the first time in the three-year history of the award, members of the public can nominate their favourite pharmacist, with nominations open between 18 April and 2 May 2016. Pharmacists across Great Britain can enter themselves from 18 April to 16 May 2016. Public voting of shortlisted pharmacists, chosen by the I Love My Pharmacists judging panel, will open on 6 June until 18 July 2016.

“Pharmacists support people at all stages of their lives,” says Neal Patel, head of corporate communications at the RPS. “The I Love My Pharmacist Award is designed to find the unsung pharmacy heroes who aren’t looking for accolades, but deserve recognition.”

The 2015 I Love My Pharmacist winner was hospital pharmacist Emily Rose, who was recognised for her outstanding contribution to rheumatoid arthritis care. Rose designed a new pathway for prescribing and administering arthritis medication to improve patient safety. Since being announced as the winner in November 2015, Rose has implemented new service developments and worked with other rheumatology teams to enable them to develop similar pathways.

“Entering I Love My Pharmacist has changed how I approach my work,” says Rose. “It forced me to look at past achievements, current workload and future goals, which is valuable when planning services to improve patient care. I also realised the importance of sharing work with others. In challenging times of limited resources we should be working collectively to improve practice,” she says.

Rose encourages fellow pharmacists to consider entering the award. “You may feel that you are not worthy of being named the nation’s best-loved pharmacist but, I can assure you, your patients and colleagues feel differently. Taking time to step aside and look back on what we do can help us improve and reset goals,” she adds.

“Emily was a very deserving winner of the I Love My Pharmacist award in 2015 and is a real inspiration for the profession,” says Ash Soni, president of the RPS. “As we begin the search for this years’ winner, I would encourage patients and the public to consider nominating pharmacists who have provided exceptional care in the community as well as hospitals.”

In 2016, the RPS’s search for Britain’s best loved pharmacist is partnered with Netdoctor and The Pharmaceutical Journal.

The winner of the national award will receive a luxury spa break for two people at Ragdale Hall, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, courtesy of Hearst Magazines UK, while the six regional winners will receive £250 in high street vouchers.

If you want to get involved via social media during I Love My Pharmacist use the Twitter handle @ilovemypharm or visit I Love My Pharmacist on Facebook.