The 2011 Pharmacy Business Awards brought together the who's who of the pharmaceutical industry in celebration of the achievements of community pharmacy.

A glittering night, which took place on October 20 at the Park Plaza Hotel in London, was attended by community pharmacists, manufacturers, wholesalers, health officials, pharmacy politicians, CEOs of leading drug companies and key buyers from across the retail and wholesale spectrum.

Around 900 guests were there, including the Pharmacy Business chief guest, Lord Howe, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Quality at the Department of Health, who said that the Government considers pharmacists "integral to every aspect of our plans to modernise the NHS" but also warned them not to wait for change to come to them.

"The government sees pharmacy as integral to every aspect of our plans to modernise the NHS," he said. "Whether it's improving quality and integration, making care more affordable or empowering the public to improve their own health and wellbeing. I want to see pharmacists at the heart of the new commissioning arrangements, helping shape local health and care services for patients

"But this is as much a challenge as a promise. Your place is at the centre of the local commissioning debate. You must not let it happen without you. You have to make your voices heard. This is your chance to put pharmacy, to put your businesses front and centre in delivering local health and care services."

"But only if you make the decision to lead and to get fully involved with your partners within your area. And let's not forget, there is still some way to go before our reforms are in place. This transition period is an opportunity for pharmacy to make its presence felt."

The headline award, the Pharmacy Business of the Year 2011, sponsored by Teva UK, was won by Bina and Dushyant Patel of Blakeberry Pharmacy. The night was awash with accolades.

For further information contact :

Tanuja Parekh
Pharmacy Business Awards
020 7654 7740
07958 657507
tanuja.parekh@amg.biz
www.pharmacy.biz