Derry pharmacist receives prestigious award for her ‘Outstanding Contribution to Pharmacy

A Derry pharmacist has received a prestigious award for her ‘Outstanding Contribution to Pharmacy’ at the Pharmacy in Focus Awards 2026.

Helen Murphy of Murphy’s Chemist on Derry’s Spencer Road, who has been on the pharmaceutical register for more than 50 years, was honoured by the Ulster Chemists’ Association (UCA) on Saturday evening.

The citation preceding Ms Murphy’s award was delivered by Edel McMahon, who is chairperson of UCA-NI.

Ms McMahon said: “Tonight, I have the pleasure of reading out the citation for the 2026 Outstanding Contribution to Pharmacy Award.

“This year’s recipient is an exceptional pharmacist whose dedication, professionalism and service to the community extends far beyond what is expected,” she added.

“This pharmacist is a very private person, who has never sought accolades or awards for themselves, but has always championed others.

“During their time as a Contractor, they have nurtured and developed many pre-registration trainees and young pharmacists but has also supported every member of the team to achieve their full potential.

“Like many other Pharmacists, our recipient took over the family business, continuing her father’s example: working six days a week, leading from the front, and providing consistent, trusted care to patients.

“Our recipient marks an extraordinary milestone this year - 50 years on the register, with the pharmacy celebrating 75 years of service in their community,” said Ms McMahon.

“Throughout their long career, this Pharmacist has consistently demonstrated creativity, and innovation, by continually modernising the pharmacy while still protecting the values and patient-care standards the pharmacy is known for,” she added.

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“Under her leadership, the pharmacy invested in advanced dispensing technology, including being one of the first pharmacies to introduce a dispensing robot (now the second in the business), with a view to enabling the team to spend more time providing clinical support, advice and service delivery.

“She has had the same focus on service provision – being one of the first to offer a broad range of services to meet the changing needs of the community, ensuring patients can access care locally and conveniently. 

“Helen’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident through her focus on staff training, ensuring the team have the most up to date training and facilities, supporting both safe practice and service growth - in fact their pharmacy currently boasts five Pharmacists: two Accuracy Checking Technicians:  two Technicians;  and four Dispensing Assistants.

“Our recipient has demonstrated unwavering determination to deliver the highest standard of care and created a strong operational model, while maintaining the warmth, compassion and professionalism that makes patients feel safe, listened to and supported. She is not only a pharmacist: she is a cornerstone of healthcare in Derry,” said Ms McMahon.

She added: “We are all too aware of the challenges facing community pharmacy, and our recipient has responded to these challenges with resilience, determination and outstanding leadership. 

“She continues to work six days a week, ensuring the pharmacy remains well supported and professionally led.

“Tonight’s recipient is known to speak her mind – and never to miss an opportunity to do so! Always fair and to the point. She takes people on their merit, and everyone is treated equally. She is always happy to open her doors and welcome people to her pharmacy - especially if they bring a dog, I’m told!

“Her pharmacy is often the choice for pilot studies and showcases. The Pharmaceutical Society opened their centenary year in the North-West and, of course, they chose to visit our recipient’s pharmacy to start the celebrations.

“Undoubtedly, this Pharmacist’s impact on her community is profound and long lasting. She has ensured the pharmacy continues to thrive as a high performing, patient centred healthcare provider while preserving a 75-year community legacy,” said Ms Mahon.

“The strong emphasis on staff development and training, supporting competence, confidence and professional growth across the team, has positively impacted the health and wellbeing of the community it serves,” she added.

“Through her 50 years on the register, she has provided consistent leadership, advancing the role and perception of community pharmacy by embodying what community pharmacy represents at its best: trusted, accessible, expert healthcare delivered with dedication and humanity.

“Her continued stewardship of the pharmacy highlights the importance of independent community pharmacy as part of the health service infrastructure. 

“Her dedication, resilience and community commitment inspire both colleagues and patients, elevating how community pharmacy is perceived across the community and beyond.

“The Outstanding Contribution to Pharmacy Practice Award 2026 goes to Helen Murphy, Murphys Chemist 165, Spencer Road.”