EAST BELFAST : community watch
Awards Night Honours East Belfast Pharmacists Two east Belfast pharmacies have been awarded a top industry accolade at the highly esteemed annual Pharmacy in Focus Awards, held recently at the Ramada Hotel. McDowell’s Pharmacy on the Newtownards Road walked away with the award for ‘Community Pharmacy Initiative’ supported by Actavis UK. The pharmacy impressed judges with their participation in a programme run by BCPP (Building the Community Pharmacy Partnership) where they worked alongside residents from a local hostel promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being. Local man Gordon Pollock, owner of Pollock’s Chemist on the Albertbridge Road, also did the east proud as he walked away with the ‘Pharmacist of the Year’ award which is regarded as one of the most esteemed categories, supported by Numark. Gordon, who has been the owner and pharmacist at Pollock’s chemist on the Albertbridge Road for thirty years, impressed judges not only due to his length of service, but the special rapport he has built up with members of the local community and outreach to local community groups. Maureen Delaney, organiser of the event said: “Once again, the Pharmacy in Focus Awards were another roaring success with
Pharmacist of the Year Gordon Pollock (right) with Mandeep Mudhar from Numark, sponsors of the award.
not only a fantastic turnout, but entries were at such an exceptionally high standard right across the board, making it very difficult for our judges! I’d like to thank everyone
A Generous Donation Firefighters from Knock Fire Station have provided some welcome contributions to a local food bank, by donating crates of food to help members of the local community. Based in St. Christopher’s Church in Mersey Street ‘The Larder’ food bank has helped over 2000 people since its inception at the start of 2013. The staff, which are made up of volunteers rely solely on donations from individuals and groups. The Firefighters decided to purchase several crates of food and sundries, which were subsequently donated to the food bank. The food provided by the Red Watch Firefighters at Knock Fire Station were well received by staff at ‘The Larder’ food bank.
who has taken the time to enter this year’s awards, and congratulate both McDowell’s and Gordon on their win which was very much deserved.”
A New Lease of Life
Chair of Landmark East Ltd, James Brown, Bryson Street Surgery GP Dr Christine Hunter and Alistair Walker, Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.
Firefighters from Knock Fire Station provided much needed crates of food to ‘The Larder’ food bank.
24 East Belfast Life
Much needed redevelopment work has got underway at a landmark GP surgery in east Belfast. Bryson Street Surgery, which sits on the corner of Bryson Street and Newtownards Road, has been servicing both communities for generations, even throughout the troubles. The £1.2m redevelopment led by Landmark East Ltd, with £1m of funding from the NI Executive’s Social Investment Fund, will be completed by January 2016. It will feature a new 680sqm purpose built community surgery which will service the area as well as focus on growing the current patient levels of 7,000. During the redevelopment a temporary service has been provided to patients in East Belfast Enterprise City East Building.