COMMUNITY PHARMACY OF THE YEAR
LOCHARDIL PHARMACY RESILIENCE AND UNMATCHED COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
N
amed Community Pharmacy of the Year at the 2025 Scottish Pharmacist Awards, Lochardil Pharmacy in Inverness stands
as a powerful testament to what modern, patient- centred community pharmacy should look like. Led by an exceptional team and recognised for their clinical expertise, community focus and remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, Lochardil has demonstrated excellence across every facet of pharmacy practice.
This past year has been one of both triumph and challenge. In January 2025, a vehicle crashed through the front of the pharmacy in what could have been a devastating event. Miraculously, no one was injured, but the premises sustained significant damage. Rather than shut down, the Lochardil team mobilised immediately implementing a robust business continuity plan that had been meticulously prepared in advance. Within hours, they had coordinated patient communications, contacted local services and re- established a temporary pharmacy operation
16
scottishpharmacist.com
through the back entrance of the building. Patients were triaged outdoors under an awning; consultations were delivered via phone and “Near Me” video platforms and staff safety and wellbeing were prioritised.
The pharmacy was fully operational the very next morning - a feat that drew widespread recognition from NHS Highland and serves as a shining example of professionalism and emergency preparedness. But Lochardil’s excellence extends far beyond crisis response.
Over the last year, the pharmacy has significantly expanded its clinical service offering, including Pharmacy First Plus, cardiovascular health assessments, weight management support and a private lipid screening service to fill local service gaps. Lochardil provides the highest volume of Pharmacy First Plus consultations in NHS Highland and their prescribing pharmacist is working toward RPS advanced practice credentialing, mentoring peers and leading the development of learning across the region.
What truly distinguishes Lochardil Pharmacy is its proactive role in shaping healthcare delivery. From contributing to NHS Highland committees and planning peer learning events, to piloting new service pathways and supporting independent prescribing across multiple branches, the team is not just delivering care, they are influencing the future of pharmacy.
As a hub for both NHS-funded and private services, Lochardil has strategically targeted local and national health priorities, addressing inequality and championing preventative care. In areas where NHS services are unavailable or stretched, the team offers flexible, patient-funded options that ensure continuity of care and early intervention. Their lipid screening initiative, for example, is filling a critical gap in preventative cardiology and is already helping patients manage their risk factors more effectively.
But alongside this clinical leadership is a genuine commitment to the people of Inverness. Lochardil’s reputation is built on trust, accessibility
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
