A pharmacist who turned round a failing site to create one of East Lancs' most successful has been given a national honour.
Shadeia Younis, the owner of Brierfield Late Night Pharmacy, won the title of ‘Independent Pharmacist of the Year’ at the Independent Pharmacy Awards held at the House of Commons.
Shadeia has been a pharmacist for 23 years, during which she has owned and managed five pharmacies, operated a pharmacist recruitment agency, wholesaling pharmaceuticals, investing in property and trading stocks.
Under her leadership, the Brierfield pharmacy offers diabetes screening, blister pack assembly and home delivery. It also hosts voluntary quarterly events which aim to ‘educate and empower’ the community on various health topics.
The branch now dispenses more than 14,000 items each month, establishing itself as the busiest pharmacy in the area and neighbouring towns. Shadeia revealed she also conducts more than 120 blood pressure checks each month.
When she took over the pharmacy was running at a loss, but in the first year she turned the place around, and has also solidified its place in the community with regular events to keep local people informed.
The awards takes place annually and celebrates ‘excellence in the independent pharmacy sector, honouring pharmacists and their teams’.
An awards spokesman said Shadeia was a "trailblazer" in the world of independent pharmacy, adding: "Under Shadeia’s leadership, Brierfield Late Night Pharmacy has become a beacon of outstanding community care. Her commitment to community well-being is further demonstrated through her organisation of voluntary quarterly events which educate and empower the community on various topics.
“Financially, Shadeia’s success is equally impressive. She turned around a small pharmacy that was running at a loss, increasing its turnover by £150,000 in the first year and eventually selling it with a profit of £170,000.
“Shadeia’s strategic acumen extends to managing multiple branches, where she acquired competitors and merged them into one highly successful and bustling pharmacy.
“Her compassionate nature has made her a trusted source of support and guidance for patients, staff and friends facing personal and serious challenges.”
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