Why it matters: The annual awards celebrate the outstanding ways independent community pharmacies improve the health of their local communities across the UK, drawing leading figures from the pharmacy sector, MPs and pharmaceutical executives.
The details: Awards judges were impressed with the way Sharon helps improve patient health and wellbeing. She checks prescriptions, supports the roll-out of patient services and played a significant role in the pharmacy's winter flu and Covid vaccination campaign.
Sharon is also trained in ear microsuction and hypertension monitoring and diagnoses patients with high blood pressure, referring them to GPs for life-changing treatment.
Her ear microsuction service has enabled patients to regain their hearing and proceed with NHS hearing aid referrals.
The bigger picture: The awards heard from Labour MP and former pharmacist Sadik Al-Hassan, who paid tribute to independent pharmacy's ability to reach people in their local communities.
"Independent pharmacies, in particular, offer something unique – continuity of care, local knowledge and genuine personal relationships," he said.
"You know your patients by name. You understand the specific health challenges facing your communities. You adapt your services to meet local needs, whether that's offering home deliveries to housebound patients, providing specialist advice on chronic conditions, or simply being a trusted presence on the high street."
Al-Hassan insisted Labour's "vision for a truly integrated, neighbourhood-based health service" through its 10-year NHS plan "simply cannot succeed" without independent pharmacies.
For context: The Independent Pharmacy Awards take place annually and celebrate excellence in the independent pharmacy sector, honouring pharmacists and their teams who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to patient care, community engagement and innovation.
The bottom line: Sharon's national recognition highlights the vital role pharmacy technicians play in improving patient health and wellbeing in local communities across Ipswich and beyond.
