Lynsey Watson quite literally goes the extra mile as a healthcare assistant at Austen’s Pharmacy in Springburn, Glasgow

Not only doing outreach to local libraries, community centres and colleges to promote pharmacy services, but also supporting colleagues in other branches of Rowlands – the chain to which Austen’s belongs.

Lynsey’s fantastic communications skills are put to good use in all of these situations, but none more so than in connection with the pharmacy’s Blood Borne Virus (BBV) service. Lynsey received a warning from the local crisis centre highlighting an increase in cases of hepatitis C and HIV within the area and that same day was able to help a customer receive a crucial diagnosis through the service. She says: “I’ve realised over my years in pharmacy, and my experience, that there is so much community pharmacy can offer”.

The judges had no hesitation in awarding Lynsey a highly commended in the Service Excellence category, with principle associate of Pharmacy Complete Mike Holden describing her as “excellence personified”.