PHX Ireland celebrates excellence and innovation at the Irish Pharmacy Awards
At PHX Ireland, we believe that strong partnerships, meaningful innovation and committed leadership are essential to delivering better healthcare for communities across Ireland. That belief was proudly reflected at this year’s Irish Pharmacy Awards, where we joined colleagues and peers from across the sector to celebrate excellence in community pharmacy.
The evening recognised the people, teams and initiatives making a real difference every day, from improving patient experiences to strengthening the sustainability and impact of community pharmacies nationwide.
Recognising innovation that supports community pharmacy
We were delighted to see the United Drug Wholesale (UDW) Marketing Team recognised with the Innovation & Service Development Award for the UDW Resource Hub. This award acknowledges a project that was shaped directly by the realities of community pharmacy and designed to support teams in delivering consistent, high-quality care.
The development of the UDW Resource Hub was driven by a clear set of challenges faced by pharmacies across Ireland. At its core, the project set out to address inefficiencies in accessing information, inconsistencies in service delivery, and gaps in support for both clinical care and commercial activity.
One of the most significant challenges identified was the fragmented nature of information available to pharmacy teams. Pharmacists and their teams often had to navigate multiple platforms, emails, supplier portals and printed materials to access training, marketing assets or clinical guidance. In a fast-paced environment, where time is limited and patient needs are immediate, this fragmentation created inefficiencies and increased the risk of outdated or inconsistent information being used in practice.
The Resource Hub addresses this by providing a single, always-on platform where pharmacy teams can access what they need, when they need it. From product knowledge and patient education materials to operational templates and service supports, the Hub ensures accurate, up-to-date information is available at the point of need. This immediacy supports better decision-making and more confident patient interactions.
Supporting patients with complex and sensitive needs
The Resource Hub also plays an important role in enhancing care for patients with specific and often sensitive needs, particularly through the UrostomaCare Hub. Patients requiring ostomy or urology support often need specialised guidance, reassurance and discretion, yet levels of experience and available resources can vary across pharmacies.
By providing structured educational content, patient support materials and defined referral pathways, the UrostomaCare Hub helps pharmacists deliver a higher and more consistent standard of care. This contributes to improved patient experiences, particularly in areas where empathy, trust and expertise are essential.
Celebrating leadership in pharmacy governance
The awards night also recognised outstanding individual leadership. We were proud to see Denis O’Driscoll, Superintendent Pharmacist at McCabes Pharmacy honoured as Superintendent Pharmacist of the Year, reflecting his exceptional contribution to governance, patient safety and professional standards.
Denis leads with a structured, patient-first approach that balances regulatory compliance with practical, frontline support. Central to his governance model is the development and continuous refinement of comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These are living frameworks, designed for real-world application, that support pharmacists in delivering safe, consistent and high-quality care while meeting PSI standards and national legislation.
Strong communication is another hallmark of Denis’s leadership. His weekly Superintendent Bulletin provides timely updates on regulatory changes, patient safety alerts and operational guidance, while monthly calls create space for peer support, shared learning and open discussion across permanent and locum pharmacists. This ensures governance is collaborative, responsive and grounded in practice.
Importantly, Denis extends this commitment beyond his own organisation. Through collaboration with UDW, he supports independent pharmacies by sharing knowledge, frameworks and best practice, helping to raise standards of care across the wider pharmacy network.
A huge congratulations also to the McCabes Pharmacy marketing team shortlisted for the Self-Care Award, reflecting the strength, quality and consistency of their work in supporting patient wellbeing.
The Irish Pharmacy Awards offered a powerful reminder of the dedication, creativity and professionalism that exists across our sector. Congratulations to all the winners, finalists and nominees. We’re proud to work alongside you as we continue to support community pharmacy and deliver healthier futures for everyone.