 Time For CelebrationUCA Celebrate Paula's Presidency and Pharmacy in Focus Awards  | Health Committee chair Jim Wells, MLA and John McCallister, MLA join Paula McDaid, UCA
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Community pharmacies across Northern Ireland emerged triumphant from a glittering awards ceremony held in the Ramada Hotel, Belfast on Saturday, January 22.Demonstrating a variety of talented, dedicated and pioneering ways of delivering first class healthcare to local communities in the province, the winners of the inaugural, highly prestigious and independently judged Pharmacy in Focus Awards are leading lights within pharmacy. All will also enjoy greater recognition for their valuable work, both within their areas and within the profession. Whether it was for a shrewd talent for business or a passion for providing healthcare, the wide range of accolades and Award titles up for grabs ensured that all elements of successful community pharmacy were covered. Businesses and individuals alike were lauded for their professionalism. East Belfast’s Dundela Pharmacy outstripped the competition to win the prestigious Commitment to Health and Social Wellbeing Award, while L’Derry based Claire McCauley scooped the Young Community Pharmacist of the Year Award.  | | Leeanne Whitehead, Profile with Simon Johnson and John Shreeve, Actavis. | Smoking cessation and weight management expert Dr Terry Maguire who runs two pharmacies in West Belfast was presented with the Outstanding Commitment to Pharmacy Award, as voted for by the Ulster Chemists’ Association’s Executive Committee. The independent judging panel praised all winners for their superlative work within pharmacy, helping to raise awareness of the crucial contribution made by the profession in healthcare and cementing pharmacy’s role in the future. Commenting on the winner’s achievements, Ulster Chemists’ Association President Paula McDaid said: “The Awards have been a huge success in raising the profile of pharmacy and commending those who have dedicated themselves to delivering healthcare in Northern Ireland. Congratulations to all who were winners and finalists.” Over £6000 was also raised for the event’s benefiting charity, MS Society NI. The funds were raised through a charity casino, auction and donations.  | | Urvashi and Bharat Patel, NPA. |
 | Paula McDaid, UCA with Paul McSorley, Roche. |
| | Rita and Gerard Greene, PCC, Hazel and Dr Norman Morrow, DHSSPS and Paula McDaid, UCA. |
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