Olgia has consistently gone above and beyond in her role, leading with dedication, humility, and a deep commitment to patient care.

Over the past year, she achieved all branch targets, qualified as an independent prescriber, and took on major leadership roles including PCN Lead Pharmacist for three South West London PCNs. Her work with Pharmacy First, care homes, and underserved communities has driven real, measurable impact.

Balancing professional growth with family life, Olgia supports colleagues and fosters collaboration across the system. She exemplifies quiet, effective leadership and is truly deserving of recognition as an Unsung Hero in pharmacy.

Olgia is always ready to support her colleagues, whether by sharing her expertise, offering practical strategies, or celebrating their successes. Her commitment goes beyond the branches she manages, she is invested in improving the overall performance of the company. Olgia leads by example, inspiring those around her through her humility, consistency, and quiet strength.

This recognition isn't about a single standout moment; it's about the sustained, behind-the-scenes work required to lead change, support colleagues, and enhance patient care. We hope her story shows that leadership isn't always loud-sometimes it's about showing up, delivering consistently, and helping others do the same.

Shilpa Shah is the epitome of an unsung hero. She has dedicated her career, spanning over 25 years, to community pharmacy. As CEO of NEL she not only represents her contractors but also uses her platform to showcase community pharmacy nationally.

The work Shilpa does outside of pharmacy is commendable. She is a director of branch operations (a senior voluntary position) at Samaritans as well as being a listening volunteer in her local branch.

She is also an ambassador for Pharmacist Support. Shilpa has also volunteered as a pharmacist for over 10 years for Crisis at Christmas.

What makes Shilpa a true unsung hero though is how much she gives back to various charities. In the past Shilpa has taken on various additional voluntary roles in her branch.

In Oct 2022 following her three-year stint as the branch director instead of taking the recommended three months off to relax and recharge, the next day she took on the additional responsibility of working with the senior leadership team and executive team at Samaritans Central Office by taking on the position of director of branch operations covering London, the South and the Southeast regions.This is all voluntary and can often take up to 20 hours a week. Shilpa was awarded an RPS fellowship a year ago.

The Whitehouse Pharmacy team saved three lives within four weeks. The team is led by Carol Haycock, a dedicated pharmacist who demonstrated exceptional commitment to her patients and community, and the trust she holds in her team through her lifesaving actions. These emergencies highlighted not only her skill as a healthcare professional and ability to lead in exceptional circumstances but also the vital role community pharmacies play in delivering life-saving care during critical moments.

The Whitehouse Pharmacy team's extraordinary achievements should not only be celebrated but serve as a powerful example of the irreplaceable role pharmacy teams play as a vital pillar of healthcare. Their impressive teamwork, life-saving efforts, and dedication to their patients epitomise what it means to serve a community.

While Carol was instrumental in the positive outcomes in all three scenarios, she is keen for her team to be recognised equally as on each occasion they worked together seamlessly to ensure patient safety under extreme conditions. Carol's actions have had a profound impact on her community. Her ability to remain calm under pressure saved lives and demonstrated the expertise and dedication of community pharmacists. Winning this award would be a well-deserved acknowledgment of her extraordinary contribution and the importance of the pharmacy sector in delivering comprehensive healthcare services.

In the face of adversity, one pharmacy team's unwavering dedication to their patients and community stood out as a remarkable testament to resilience and service. Rowlands Pharmacy, located in Rhos on Sea, North Wales, faced an unprecedented challenge when a devastating fire ravaged its premises on August 21, 2024.

The fire, believed to have been caused by an electrical fault, caused severe damage to the branch, rendering it unfit for service. Yet, less than a month later, this same pharmacy was able to reopen its doors with a new look, having operated from a portacabin during the refurbishment.

This swift recovery was not just a testament to the hardworking team but also a reflection of the deep community commitment shown by everyone involved. The unwavering dedication of the pharmacy team at Rowlands Pharmacy - Rhos on Sea stands out as a remarkable testament to resilience and service.

The team faced an unprecedented challenge when a devastating fire ravaged its premises. The fire, believed to have been caused by an electrical fault, caused severe damage to the branch, rendering it unfit for service. Yet, less than a month later, this same pharmacy reopened its doors, having operated from a portacabin during the refurbishment.

Nicola, a locum pharmacist, went above and beyond during a single shift that saw two emergencies unfold simultaneously.

First, she safeguarded a vulnerable patient who used the ANI code word to signal domestic abuse-acting swiftly, empathetically, and at personal risk to ensure their safety.

Moments later, she responded to another distressed patient whose partner was suffering a stroke, calmly arranging emergency help. All while managing the pharmacy and supporting her team under immense pressure. Nicola's courage, composure, and compassion turned chaos into care. Her actions were life-changing, and she remains a true unsung hero in every sense.

Nicola's actions that day were not only life-changing but potentially life-saving. She demonstrated an exceptional level of care, courage, and humanity, all while asking for nothing in return. Her humility and unwavering dedication are exactly what the Unsung Hero Award is meant to honour.

Nicola is more than deserving of this recognition - she is the quiet force behind real change, and a shining example of what it means to truly care.

Last October, a patient walked into the pharmacy looking for help, as she had been stung by a wasp on her neck. She said she was allergic to wasp stings but did not have an Epipen.

Her hands were swelling, going red, and she started shaking and visibly trembling. She also said she felt tightness in her chest and her neck was reddening. She could only speak one word replies to questions.

Caroline acted swiftly and decisively and took her through to the consultation room but the patient's shaking was getting worse and she started to look vague and glassy eyed. Caroline called for an ambulance and made the decision to administer an Epipen.

The patient seemed to respond - the trembling subsided and the patient started to be able to focus and talk a bit more. However, without warning her symptoms worsened again for another five minutes. Caroline decided to give the patient another Epipen shot under 999 advice.

The ambulance arrived a few minutes later and took over. She was checked over by the ambulance team and thanks to Caroline's quick thinking and actions, didn't need to go into hospital.

Thanks to her prompt actions, the patient recovered without needing hospital admission-demonstrating exemplary care, clinical judgement, and dedication to patient safety. The patient was extremely grateful to our wonderful pharmacist Caroline.

I was working as a primary care pharmacist in a GP surgery and the reception team had booked a patient with excessive bleeding with me, due to lack of appointments. This was done at the end of day as a telephone consultation.

When I rang the lady she was lethargic and complaining of excessive vaginal bleeding. She was distressed because this had been ongoing for a week, and nothing was making it better.

In fact, this had led her to stay at home due to the extent of bleeding and embarrassment. Additionally, she was having period-like cramps that were being managed by painkillers.

Upon further questioning and investigating by me, I realised the patient could be undergoing a miscarriage. I arranged an urgent referral to the local gynaecology clinic for the following day.

I followed up with her a week later, during which she expressed her deep gratitude for my support. I provided space for her to talk, offered empathetic listening, and gently guided her toward local mental health and bereavement services.

This experience affirmed my commitment to holistic, compassionate care and to advocating for patients, especially during emotionally challenging times.

In every healthcare system, there are individuals who work quietly and tirelessly behind the scenes. Those who never seek the spotlight but are fundamental to patient safety, team success, and the overall functioning of pharmacy services.

Tamara is one such person. Her unwavering dedication, compassion, and professionalism make her the epitome of an unsung hero in pharmacy. Tamara has consistently gone above and beyond.

Whether it's ensuring that every patient receives their medication safely and on time, helping colleagues through difficult shifts, or stepping up in times of crisis, Tamara does it all without ever expecting recognition. She is the glue that holds the team together. Always calm, dependable, and quietly effective.

A meticulous and safety-focused professional who reduces risk and upholds the highest standards, she is a compassionate and patient-centred carer. A supportive and trusted colleague, always available with advice, encouragement, or a helping hand. A humble leader and mentor who lifts others up and leads by example. And a consistent, reliable presence who keeps systems running smoothly, especially during times of uncertainty.

Clare is an experienced senior member of staff, having been a supervisor with Boots and with Pinhoe Pharmacy is a dispenser and MCA. She leads the team from the front counter which is very busy, seeing 300 people per day.

In the dispensary, she organises the deliveries and maintains the cleanliness and tidiness of the pharmacy. She has taken extra training with health academy into dressings and wound management, so now changes dressings for patients and does the first aid. There is a special button on the till for dressing change that she uses for her service.

This year, she saved a patient's life when she suddenly lost consciousness and fell down on the floor in the pharmacy. She helped resuscitate the patient and organised the ambulance. The patient later wrote a letter of thanks to Clare and gave her flowers.

Clare was the first winner in our pharmacy for employee of the quarter. She has also had numerous 5 star google reviews naming her personally and her caring and professional manner.

Clare is a senior and experienced colleague, who leads from the front. If there is a car crash outside the pharmacy, she is first on the scene. This year a lady fell, knocked her head and became unconscious, Clare did CPR and saved her life. Any first aid or dressing changes needed she will do, and all with a modest humble smile.

Lorraine is an experienced dispensary assistant having worked in retail pharmacy for many years, working at this pharmacy for two.

We had an occasion when the pharmacy was going to have to close on the Saturday as no locum pharmacist could be booked.

A patient was due to pick up controlled medication on the Saturday but we could not contact them by phone. Lorraine offered to call by at their house to let them know. Imagine our surprise when Lorraine returned 20 minutes later with the patient. They had no transport and no money for a taxi. Needless to say after the patient received their medication Lorraine took them back home again.

Lorraine amazes us at what she will do in her own time. She is a voluntary litter picker in the area where she lives. Lorraine is often having a “working lunch”. She will often do stock checks and tidy stock in the fridges and on the dispensary shelves during her lunch hour, adjusting figures as needed so we keep the right amount of stock.

Finally Lorraine has been a real asset in the pharmacy weight management service. Lorraine does not ask for any reward for her endeavours. She does not even claim overtime. And despite medical problems of her own she will always say if you ask her while she is at work, “I’m having a lovely day out”. It certainly helps keep staff morale high.