Derry chemist scoops top pharmacy award

A Derry chemist who opened a pharmacy in the city in five years ago has been named the Independent Pharmacist of the Year at a prestigious ceremony in London. Sandra Cooke, of Whitehouse Pharmacy, scooped the prize at the 2015 Independent Pharmacy Awards, which were held at the Waldorf Hilton in London. The event is organised by the industry and is aimed at celebrating some of the great work taking place in the independent sector, with Whitehouse’s innovative approach to customer care impressing the judging panel. When she opened her pharmacy in 2010, Ms Cooke surveyed local GPs, politicians and the providers of out-of-hours services to find out what their needs were. She found all wanted a pharmacy with extended hours, with the result being a pharmacy that is open every day of the year and until 9.00pm from Monday to Thursday, 10.00pm on Fridays, 8.00pm on Saturdays and 6.00pm on Sundays. Ms Cooke said she was surprised when her name was called out at the ceremony. “It really was a big surprise, I wasn’t even expecting to be there, given that I’m still at the start of my career and feel that I have still have so much to achieve,” she said. “And I wouldn’t have been there if it wasn’t for all the support I’ve received from my family, staff and our customers, it really is a team effort here.” She added: “It was an amazing honour to win Independent Pharmacist of the Year and I’d like to thank everyone at the Independent Pharmacy Awards, judges and sponsors.” Whitehouse Pharmacy is widely involved in public health issues and promotes smoking cessation within the pharmacy and through external events at venues such as local supermarkets. Staff have also given talks at local schools on healthy eating and dental health, while participants at a local children’s drama group have been addressed on dangers that can arise from too much exposure to the sun. The pharmacy also promotes responsible drinking by participation in Derry’s Drink Think Project. It has also hosted events for charities such as the Foyle Hospice, Concern and the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children. Ms Cooke added she saw Whitehouse Pharmacy as more than just a business and her own role as more than just a pharmacist. She concluded: “We genuinely care about our customers and go out of our way to help them.” Photo shows Ms Cooke at the awards ceremony Keith Ridge, chief pharmaceutical officer at NHS England and John D'Arcy, chief executive of award sponsor Numark.