Big recognition for local pharmacies in Pharmacy In Focus Awards 2026

Community pharmacy teams serving Portglenone and Broughshane are in the spotlight after securing major nominations in the Pharmacy In Focus Awards 2026 — a recognition that places their work at the heart of modern healthcare delivery.

Bannside Pharmacy has been shortlisted in the Commitment to Health & Wellbeing category, while Medicare Pharmacy Broughshane is in contention for Community Pharmacy of the Year.

Adding to the celebrations, Shania O’Boyle of Bannside Pharmacy has been named a finalist for Pharmacist of the Year.

Together, the nominations shine a light on the increasingly vital role community pharmacies play — not only as dispensaries, but as accessible frontline healthcare hubs embedded within towns and villages across Northern Ireland.

Raising the standard

Bannside Pharmacy’s nomination for Commitment to Health & Wellbeing recognises pharmacists, including independent prescribing pharmacists, and their teams who are using their skills to make a real difference in patient care.

The category celebrates those making an exceptional contribution to their communities through safe, accessible and innovative pharmacy services, including prescribing where applicable, that improve health and wellbeing outcomes.

Bannside Pharmacy in Portglenone

Medicare Pharmacy Broughshane

Meanwhile, Medicare Pharmacy Broughshane’s place on the shortlist for Community Pharmacy of the Year acknowledges pharmacies that demonstrate a strong business profile alongside a proven track record of delivering initiatives and projects that benefit their local communities.

Bannside Pharmacy’s Shania O’Boyle has been nominated for Pharmacist of the Year

For Shania O’Boyle, the Pharmacist of the Year nomination highlights a strong record of innovative and progressive initiatives.

The award showcases how individual leadership enhances and elevates the wider role of community pharmacy within healthcare.

A sector challenged to “go further”

Launching the 2026 awards, Pharmacy In Focus set an ambitious tone for the year ahead.

“We are not simply repeating success. We are calling on every corner of the sector to go further, to innovate smarter, care deeper and lead with courage.

“This year is about bold ideas, genuine transformation, voices that inspire change and teams whose work will set the benchmark for the future.

“Welcome to Pharmacy In Focus Awards 2026, where excellence is not applauded, it is expected.”

The message reflects the evolving landscape of healthcare, where community pharmacies are increasingly relied upon to deliver accessible clinical services, support prescribing, and relieve pressure on wider health systems.

Community impact close to home

For Portglenone and Broughshane, these nominations are more than industry accolades — they are recognition of trusted local teams who serve patients daily with expertise and reassurance.

Community pharmacies often represent the first point of contact for healthcare advice, offering convenience, clinical knowledge and continuity of care within the heart of the high street.

The winners will be revealed at the annual Pharmacy In Focus Awards ceremony, taking place at the Crowne Plaza Belfast on 21 March.

As the event approaches, the Ballymena area has strong reason to celebrate. Whether through innovation, leadership or community-driven initiatives, these nominees exemplify a sector that continues to evolve — and communities that are stronger for it.