Maxine has been a central figure at Buckley Pharmacy in Ashtead, Surrey, for more than 40 years and retired this summer

Pharmacist Khatidja Kureeman submitted a Pharmacy Champion nomination praising Maxine for her incredible contribution to the team and the impact she has had on the local community. “Maxine is the backbone of our pharmacy,” says Khatidja. “She has trained and mentored several members of staff, including pre-reg students. And she has been responsible for all of our successful public health campaigns.”

Among these events, the pharmacy’s stall during the annual Ashtead Village Day is one of the most important in making the community more aware of their services. “We promote the health checks service and encourage people to come into the pharmacy and have an initial chat about their health. It’s very friendly and relaxed,” says Maxine.

This approach has endeared Maxine to those who have visited Buckley Pharmacy over the years and Khatidja says their patients have the “utmost respect for Maxine”.

Maxine is modest about her achievement as highly commended in the Pharmacy Champion category, saying simply: “It’s very important to me to give back and to help.” And this did not go unnoticed by our judges, with Avicenna chairman Salim Jetha commenting: “A very modest entry, but strength lies deep within.”

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