Ardee business wins at Irish Pharmacy Awards

Mark’s StayWell Pharmacy in Ardee recently celebrated a double victory at the Irish Pharmacy Awards, held recently at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road, Dublin 4. 

Dubbed the “Oscars of the Irish Pharmacy World,” the black-tie event, hosted by RTE’s Marty Whelan, saw over 500 distinguished guests in attendance.

The annual Irish Pharmacy Awards, open to over 7,000 pharmacists registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, celebrate excellence and innovation in pharmacy practice across Ireland, recognizing those who have gone above and beyond on the frontline.

This year, Mark’s StayWell Pharmacy was a finalist in four categories:

• Viatris Community Pharmacy Team of the Year 2024

• Perrigo Superintendent Pharmacist of the Year 2024: Mark McPhillips

• Athlone Pharmaceuticals Counter Assistant of the Year 2024: Tara McKenna

• Haleon Self-Care Award 2024

Mark’s Pharmacy emerged victorious in two of these categories. Mark McPhillips won Superintendent Pharmacist of the Year, and Mark’s Pharmacy also secured the Haleon Self-Care Award for the second consecutive year.

Expressing his joy and pride upon receiving the Superintendent Pharmacist of the Year award, Mark McPhillips remarked: “I am absolutely thrilled and delighted to be recognized for this prestigious award. All the hard work has truly paid off. I have spent considerable time studying and developing safe systems of work in the pharmacy, applying the principles of LEAN management to medicines governance at Mark’s Pharmacy.” 

He added: “The role of a superintendent pharmacist involves overall control of the pharmacy’s management, including its professional and clinical management and the administration of the sale and supply of medicines.”

The Haleon Self-Care Award, which Mark’s Pharmacy has now won for two consecutive years, recognizes the additional services that pharmacies offer to patients. Mark McPhillips highlighted: 

“Pharmacies are in a unique position as we are open 9am-6pm Monday to Saturday and often serve as the first port of call for patients. At Mark’s Pharmacy, we focus on the health of our patients and strive to offer the best service possible, directing them to the best sources of advice and care.”