A Whitland pharmacist has enjoyed success at a prestigious awards ceremony.

The judges at the 2017 Welsh Pharmacy Awards unanimously decided that Dave Edwards and his team from Boots pharmacy at Whitland’s St. John Street were clear winners in their category.

Dave and his team picked up the ‘Asthma Project of the Year Award’ at the ceremony recently held at The Vale Resort, Glamorgan.

Acclaimed journalist and television presenter, Mai Davies, took on presenting duties at the ceremony, which once again cast a spotlight on the sector’s key players and innovators, commending and celebrating their stories of success.

The prestigious annual event is dedicated to honouring those whose exceptional expertise and contribution have transformed the provision of pharmaceutical care for the better.

One of the judges on the panel, Dr. Berwyn Owen, Head of Medicines Management, said: “Dave is a pharmacist who is clearly passionate about improving better outcomes for asthma patients as well as integrating their care within their wider community, with GPs, nurses and the Health Board.

“His personal drive to improve asthma care is transforming lives in Whitland and beyond. Well done Dave!” he added.

Dave’s background was in the hospital sector, but in the run up to his milestone 50th birthday he had a change of heart and moved to the role of pharmacist store manager at Boots in Whitland.

Dave is passionate about smoking cessation and this has quickly become his area of expertise at the pharmacy.

As an ex-smoker himself, he has insight into the psychological side of addiction to smoking as well as nicotine addiction and this can help patients.

His courses have been a huge success, with Dave treating each patient with dedicated personalised care.

Dave has had immense support from his GP surgery as they have helped him promote his services, and about half of his smokers have been referred to him by the local GPs.