After all the votes were counted and reviewed Healthwise Pharmacies, including its unit in Ballinasloe, were announced as double winners at the prestigious annual Pharmacy Industry Awards in the Burlington Hotel last weekend.
They were honoured with the Business Development of the Year award which recognises excellence in pharmacy chains.
Their second award for Pharmacy Manager of the Year was presented to a delighted Jason Duffy of their Sligo pharmacy. Jason is a native of Gweedore and has worked with Healthwise Pharmacies for over five.
Healthwise director James Cassidy, says the awards which recognise the Healthwise Pharmacies’ concept, ethos and business model is heartening. “We are delighted that a panel of industry experts and patient representative groups, have recognised the quality of the Healthwise Pharmacies model. Our commitment to delivering quality care in local communities, and our motto of putting the patient first, has been recognised and endorsed as being the best in Ireland by the prestigious national awards panel.
“It is particularly gratifying to win the overall award in the Pharmacy Group category. Success in the section containing all of the biggest and best pharmacy groups in Ireland, is a real tribute to the commitment and dedication of our staff.
“All of our staff will continue to work hard to supply quality and value in the heart of our local communities, and we genuinely appreciate the continued support of all of our customers. Their support is the ultimate validation of our service and we will do everything in our power to ensure we continue to meet the high standards they deserve.”
Natalie Maginnis, managing director of Irish Pharmacy News (IPN ) Communications Ltd, host of the awards says, “Like every other sector pharmacies are operating in an incredibly challenging economic environment. The awards provide a unique opportunity to come together and celebrate Ireland’s pharmacy profession.
“It was heartening to see the passion and enthusiasm for our sector in the award entries this year. I would like to congratulate Healthwise Pharmacies on their awards. Their approach is all about people and community. Their major focus on sourcing pharmacy-related products at competitive prices means they are offering real value to their customer. The key to their success has been the offering of quality and personalised healthcare to their local communities and the leadership of their staff as exemplified by Jason Duffy.”
The Healthwise Pharmacies concept was developed by Liam Grimley, James Cassidy, and Donal Cassidy in order to bring the benefits of group purchasing to local communities while preserving the integrity and service levels of the locally run community pharmacy. Other local pharmacists have taken equity shares in selected pharmacies as the concept continues to grow. By ensuring the participation of local stakeholders, Healthwise are able to live up to their mission statement of ‘caring for your community’.
The business model has evolved to allow shared ownership, where partner pharmacists avail of the product range, prices, and support services of the Healthwise model, while ensuring the pharmacy remains under the management of a dedicated local pharmacist.
In this way Healthwise Pharmacies hope to preserve the ethos of the locally run community pharmacy, while offering a wide range of products and services at the keenest prices. They have introduced a new range of Healthwise value lines offering popular products at massively discounted prices and have rolled out several new healthcare initiatives including weight, blood pressure, and blood glucose monitoring clinics run in association with the Diabetes Federation of Ireland.
