PHARMACIST OF THE YEAR
DEBBIE SMITH COMPASSION, CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
T
his year’s Pharmacist of the Year Award has been deservedly presented to Debbie Smith of Davidson’s Chemist, Portsoy - an
exceptional Independent Prescriber whose dedication, innovation and leadership have not only transformed her pharmacy but made a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of her entire community.
Located in the remote coastal town of Portsoy, Debbie’s branch serves an elderly and often isolated population that relies heavily on consistent and accessible healthcare. In the past year, the community faced unprecedented disruption when the local GP practice underwent significant changes in leadership, staffing and procedures. This created uncertainty, confusion and anxiety among patients, many of whom turned to Debbie and her team as a trusted and familiar source of support.
Rather than simply operate within her own scope, Debbie stepped up to become a stabilising force for the entire healthcare ecosystem in Portsoy.
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She not only supported her pharmacy team through increased demand and stress, but proactively worked with the local GP practice to maintain patient access to care. She initiated and led daily triage meetings with GP staff, trained practice staff on appropriate community pharmacy referrals and even supported new GP locums by sharing local insights and patient histories.
In a climate where communication barriers often exist between sectors, Debbie’s approach stands out as a shining example of interdisciplinary collaboration and leadership. Her patient-first attitude meant refusing to pass frustrated patients back to the surgery; instead, she calmly de-escalated tensions, provided accurate information and offered solutions, ensuring no one left without support.
Her creativity and initiative have also been instrumental in modernising community pharmacy services in Grampian. She led the development of a peer support network for
Independent Prescribers in the region, sharing her experience and providing reassurance and mentorship to newly qualified pharmacists. Recognising gaps in local audiology services, she is also currently establishing a new Ear Health and Hearing Assessment clinic within the pharmacy.
Debbie’s influence is not confined to the walls of her branch. Over the last two years, she has recruited and trained five new staff, ensured timely completion of Pharmacy Assistant qualifications and acted as both a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) and Educational Supervisor for pre-registration pharmacists. Her support has extended to multiple students, all of whom have benefitted from her clinical knowledge and mentorship. Every trainee and peer who works alongside her leaves with a deeper appreciation for what community pharmacy can truly offer.
Operationally, Debbie’s efforts have translated into significant success. She has improved efficiency and productivity within the pharmacy,
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