Irish Pharmacy News, Ireland’s leading pharmacy publication has announced Chanel Geoghegan, Pharmacist at Hickey’s Pharmacy Clones as the winner of The People’s Pharmacist 2024, in association with Panadol.
Chanel was nominated by members of her local community recognising her exceptional dedication and impact as a community pharmacist. Known for consistently going above and beyond in her role, Chanel is celebrated as a true pillar of her community, offering invaluable support, care, and expertise to those she serves.
This nomination highlights Chanel’s commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of her patients and customers, exemplifying the highest standards of service in her field. Her compassionate approach and tireless efforts have made her a trusted and respected figure, embodying the role of a community leader and healthcare advocate.
This recognition not only shines a spotlight on the pharmacy’s contributions to the community but also underscores the value of teamwork and commitment in making a meaningful impact, even in rural areas.
For this pharmacist, it’s clear that the heart of her success lies in collaboration, passion, and unwavering support for their community.
During September, members of the public were encouraged to nominate their local pharmacist whom they thought should be recognised for going the extra mile. After receiving a wealth of nominations – over 400 – across the country, eight deserving shortlisted finalists have been chosen.
Chanel beat some stiff competition to scoop the title with over 11,000 votes cast in total and a reach across social media of over 350,000.
With over 2 million Irish people visiting a community pharmacy every month, pharmacists are ideally placed to be the first port of call before a visit to the local GP Surgery.
“Chanel is a true pillar of her community, consistently going above and beyond in her role as a pharmacist,” said one nominee.
“From personally delivering medications to patients’ homes to traveling to administer flu vaccines and checking in on elderly clients, Chanel’s dedication is unwavering. For families going through palliative care, she provides her personal mobile number, making herself available 24/7—even taking calls on her days off.
Balancing her demanding role with raising three young boys, Chanel continues to put her patients first, never taking extended holidays and often putting others’ needs before her own.
“Her commitment to patient care is seen not only in her actions but also in her priorities. When medications are in short supply, Chanel often sources them from alternate wholesalers. She is deeply committed to her patients’ well-being, valuing their health over profit margins—a rare trait in any business owner.
“Chanel’s compassion, dedication, and integrity have made her a true standout in her profession—a unicorn in the world of pharmacy owners. Her community is not only grateful but also inspired by the exceptional care and kindness she brings to every aspect of her work.”
The People’s Pharmacist Award seeks nominations from across the country, giving patients the opportunity to recognise and salute their local pharmacist.
Through this Award, we are enabling the public to have a voice in recognising the unwavering support and spirit that makes pharmacists the backbone of our health service in every community across Ireland.
As the scope and prominence of this Award has increased with each passing year, it has added even more value to the profession of pharmacy; through the strong and positive messages, not to mention, recognition given to the vital and impressive work being done by all the nominees, in their communities.
Chanel commented on her win, “I was so pleasantly surprised to be recognised by our community for the role we play in pharmacy. Being patient-facing is truly my favourite part of the job I love being able to help people when they need it most. It’s also important to recognise that this is a team effort. I have a fantastic team behind me, and none of this would be possible without their support.”
She continued, “Helping people through tough times is genuinely fulfilling. Community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to support the most vulnerable, whether
they’re local families or patients who’ve lived here their entire lives. Having grown up here myself, I feel deeply connected to the community and understand the needs of both younger and older generations alike.
Chanel highlighted the significance of this milestone not just for herself, but for the entire pharmacy team.
She emphasised that the achievement reflects the collective effort of the dedicated team working behind the scenes. “I have a brilliant team of girls around me, and I see this very much as a win for all of us,” she added.
Receiving recognition offers more than just personal pride— it provides an opportunity to showcase the critical role that pharmacies play in local communities.
“For me, this is a fantastic opportunity to promote my small business and to shine a light on the important role of pharmacies in local communities,” says Chanel.
“Any support the government can give our sector will be wide-reaching and invaluable,” she noted, underscoring how such assistance could help strengthen the vital contributions pharmacies make to public health.
“We are a close-knit community, I have known most of my patients for years, this drives me to give the best care possible. We are highly valued by our patients; pharmacists are on the frontline and give critical care to local families that need it. Providing advice and support to my hard working team also motivates me. It is a real team effort.
People’s Pharmacist Finalists were:
Martin Kelly, Kelly’s StayWell Pharmacy, Dundalk
Deirdre O’Rourke, Adrian Dunne Pharmacy, Kilbarrack
Keith Brennan, Brennan’s Pharmacy, Ballyfermot
Ultan McKeon, Quinn’s Pharmacy, Bray
Paul Burns, Dargle Valley Pharmacy, Bray
Brian Fitzgerald, Mari Mina Pharmacy, Toomevara
Laura Reynolds, LloydsPharmacy, Rathmines
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