with sponsors including: Numark, Alliance, sangers AAH, McLernons, Teva UK Ltd, Bestway Medhub and Wardles, eMIs Health, VsL#3 the highly concentrated poly-biotic food supplement, ethypharm, Pharmsmart, RB UK, Oasis Travel, silversea, Visit Belfast, ICC Belfast, Pacemaker Press and sparq.


In terms of winners, there’s no doubt that the west of the province stole the show this year, picking up the two top accolades: Pharmacist of the Year and Community Pharmacy of the Year. Belleek pharmacist, Maria McGuinness, walked away with the prestigious Pharmacist of the Year Award for her outstanding work in the community. Maria was joined at the event not only by her husband, but by her four children, all of whom are pharmacists, so they’ll have big shoes to fill in the future.


Maria was followed onto the stage by the team from McKeevers Chemists in Fivemiletown, who picked up the equally prestigious Community Pharmacy of the Year Award. The judges pointed to the pharmacy’s extremely strong team ethic as part of the reason for its success – and the team spirit was certainly evident on the night.


The formal part of the evening ended with the presentation of the Outstanding Contribution


accolade, which was presented to Professor Mike Mawhinney by Dr Terry Maguire. Professor Mawhinney was, Terry Maguire said, an obvious choice for this award.


‘It is evident from talking to those whom Mike encounters on a daily basis,’ Terry said in his citation, ‘how much he is universally respected. Mike sets high standards for the practice of pharmacy and has a determination to ensure that poor practice does not put patients or the public at risk, nor bring the profession of pharmacy into disrepute. However, many speak of the dignity that he shows to those pharmacists that he unfortunately has to take through the regulatory system in his role. His high level of integrity is complemented by a thoughtful, empathetic, approachable, supportive and encouraging manner.


‘With a distinguished career that has had such a positive impact on the professional lives of so many, it is fitting that Professor Mike Mawhinney’s unique contribution is recognised by the Outstanding Contribution to Pharmacy Award.’ Needless to say, while Mike’s award was warmly welcomed by all those present – as evident from the standing ovation he received – the man himself was typically unassuming in his acceptance.


AWARDS


‘I have been so fortunate and privileged to have worked with so many outstanding colleagues throughout my career. We have such a wonderful team of pharmacists in Northern Ireland who are dedicated and diligent in their provision of safe and effective pharmacy services to the patients whom they serve’


'I am rendered speechless and deeply honoured by this award,’ he said. ‘I have been so fortunate and privileged to have worked with so many outstanding colleagues throughout my career. We have such a wonderful team of pharmacists in Northern Ireland who are dedicated and diligent in their provision of safe and effective pharmacy services to the patients whom they serve. I hold my community pharmacy colleagues in the highest esteem


and that makes this award so very special and so much appreciated.'


Perhaps unsurprisingly, the presentation of the trophy to Mike went down extremely well with all present, such is the esteem in which this unassuming man is held.


After all of the formalities were concluded – and a fantastic meal was enjoyed by all – guests were able to spend time networking and catching up with their peers.


Jonathan Lloyd, Dr Terry Maguire, Peter Rice and David McCrea (UCA-NI)


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