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Photography Credit: Nathalie Crouch Photography
Above, L-R: Henry Gregg, Chief Executive NPA; Fiona Eveleigh; Monica West, Editor TM
Fiona Eveleigh, Boots UK, Cricklade High Street
Spotlight and Team Leader Award Winner
“The passion Fiona shows for her patients and her colleagues instils a level of care that is exemplar,” said judge Richard Dunne, head of Healthcare Capability at Boots UK. Fiona, nominated by her longtime colleague Emma Brandon, embodies what it means to work in healthcare; she is foremost concerned with patient safety and wellbeing, making sure that her store is providing the best care possible, while also looking after those providing the care – her staff.
Essentially, her empathy allows her to better care for her team, enabling them to care for others. All of which meant that Fiona not only took home the Team Leader Award for 2025, but was also named our overall Spotlight Award winner for this year.
A credit to the store
“I personally think that Fiona is a credit to our store and our small town,” said Emma. “Fiona is well known and is often seen supporting local events to spread out business, but also to show that we are here and that we are in the heart of the community.” This community engagement allows Fiona to provide exceptional care to her customers.
For example, when receiving a call from a customer very worried about his bedbound wife, but unable to get a GP appointment, Fiona called up the surgery to ask somebody to conduct a house visit.
“Someone went out to help her and got her medication. If I can do something, I will, and I believe I can do that because of my relationships, and knowing the customers, and people trusting me,” said Fiona. Whilst caring for customers, Fiona also makes sure that her team members do their training straight away, making sure their knowledge is up-to-date for customers. “We are a small shop, and we have a small team, everyone is qualified,” said Fiona. “It is more like a family, everybody helps each other, and I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
Compassionate leadership
Fiona and the staff at Boots Cricklade High Street very sadly lost a member of their team, which understandably was a very difficult time for everyone. The pressures of dealing with the pharmacy paired with the grief of losing a colleague is an exceptional circumstance.
As pharmacy manager, Fiona had to inform her team and the customers of the news, and in the wake of the young team member passing organised for the team to have someone come to speak with them for support and guidance. “Though I did support them, we all supported each other as well.
Everyone handles grief differently, and it was my role to recognise that,” said Fiona. Fiona’s leadership during this time in prioritising the team’s wellbeing, and use of external support, showed “true compassionate leadership” said judge Nicola Stockmann, APTUK president. “I wouldn’t want anyone else as a manager,” added Emma.
Katie Slinger, Paydens (Baxters) Pharmacy, Margate
Team Leader Award Highly Commended
Anyone will agree that managing one pharmacy is challenging, but Katie somehow manages to oversee two – and they are both undergoing improved performance, morale and efficiency. “Katie is an amazing leader to her team, she is enthusiastic and brings a wonderful energy to the pharmacy,” said nominator Alison Ware, pharmacist co-ordinator at Paydens Ltd.
“She takes great pride in her team and the service they provide to the local community. The reviews for the pharmacy from patients is glowing, many commenting on how wonderful the staff are and how efficient the pharmacy is, much of this Katie can take credit for.”
Katie was doing so well in managing her team that she was asked to support another nearby pharmacy, with the main task of getting them back on track after many staff members had left, leaving behind inexperienced staff and few processes in place. “During this she has implemented a new staff rota, new procedures and retrained the team in all aspects of the work. Katie has balanced the team, given them a much needed boost and brought them back to where they need to be,” said Alison.
“Along with this, Katie has continued to keep Baxters at the top of their game ensuring there is no impact whilst she carries out this dual role.” One of our judges was similarly impressed with Katie’s exceptional leadership skills.
“Katie revitalised a failing pharmacy, turning around morale, performance, and patient safety through hands-on leadership and focusing on training, process improvement, and staff support,” said judge Ifti Khan, pharmacy superintendent at Well. “Her ability to lead through change while uplifting team spirit is remarkable.”
Arunoday Lekkala, Victoria Pharmacy, London
Team Leader Award Highly Commended
“Arun is a standout leader known for exceptional emotional intelligence,” said judge Ifti Khan, pharmacy superintendent at Well. “He fosters a deeply supportive culture, mentors staff into new qualifications, and builds strong, trusting relationships with even the most vulnerable patients. His impact spans staff retention and improved service delivery, making him a transformative leader in his pharmacy.”
One of the traits that sets Arunoday apart is, despite the undoubtable stresses he may face each day managing a busy store, he treats every customer – whether a regular or brand new – every staff member and each consultation with care and focus. “He has time for every individual who walks into the pharmacy.
His leadership qualities are limitless, and he is a very good listener, a proper guide to many, and his authority when it comes to firmness, and his management skills are remarkable,” said nominator Sahereh Ahmadian, pharmacy dispenser.
“I have witnessed many incidents where he showed his leadership qualities not only in supporting individuals but also in day-to-day work. He taught us (all staff) how to support others who might need help and how to be confident in our work. He always made us feel proud of the work we do every day in the pharmacy by showing his appreciation.”
Arunoday also emphasises amongst his team the importance of taking a hold of learning and development opportunities whenever they can, pushing each staff member closer to reaching their potential. Judge Nicola Stockmann, APTUK president, commented: “Arunoday is a clear example of a leader encouraging the development of others, inspirational.”
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