The dedication of a staff member at a Pembroke Dock pharmacy has been recognised by a national accolade.

Gail Watts, and accuracy checking technician at Lloyds Pharmacy, Argyle Street in Pembroke Dock was amongst the winners of the ninth annual Recognition of Excellence (RoE) Awards announced recently.

The awards are presented by pharmacy trade magazine Training Matters to key healthcare workers for outstanding achievements in the world of community pharmacy.

Gail, an accuracy checking technician at the pharmacy, has worked in community pharmacy for the past 35 years, hence why she was named highly commended in the ‘Oustanding Contribution’ award category.

During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic Gail had to step up twice as various managers left.

Her nominator, pharmacy manager Cath Wood, said: “Gail kept the team together, working around 80 hours a week to make sure our commitments to the community and surgery were upheld.

“Without her, the branch would have failed drastically and caused huge distress to our customers. I really feel that she is due recognition for her commitment and efforts given to keep the branch going.”

Commenting on the RoE Awards, editor of Training Matters and Awards host Monica West said: “The Recognition of Excellence Awards is the only UK awards that celebrates hard working pharmacy staff, without the focus being on pharmacists.

“We think it is so important to reward the people who are fundamentally often the backbones of pharmacy teams.

“These individuals go above and beyond every single day, putting their communities before themselves. We think that’s certainly something to shout about.”