We caught up with the Pharmacist/Pharmacy Team of the Year Award shortlist ahead of this year's General Practice Awards ceremony to be held on 5 December at the Novotel London West. Here Blackburn with Darwen PCN clinical pharmacy team share their work
Working across GP practices in the Blackburn with Darwen PCN, the clinical pharmacy team has become an integral part of local primary care – improving medicines safety, supporting patients with complex needs and easing pressure on GPs.
The 48-strong team of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians serves a population of 188,000 across 22 practices. In just 10 months, they delivered 12,615 structured medication reviews, surpassing an ambitious target of 10,000.
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This achievement came alongside their usual workload, with team members regularly working overtime to ensure the most vulnerable patients received the care they needed.
The team's focus on person-centred care has been especially important in a borough with high levels of deprivation and a diverse population. By taking time to build trust, address language barriers and adapt its approach to individual needs, the team has endeavoured to ensure patients feel more involved in managing their health and treatment.
A structured prioritisation system ensures that those with the most complex medication needs are reviewed first, supported by shared clinical tools and prescribing guidance that maintain consistency across practices.
The team's work has led to a 31% reduction in prescribing of high anticholinergic burden drugs, a 9% decrease in SABA inhaler use, and significant decreases in opioid, gabapentinoid and antimicrobial use – all ahead of national averages.
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Collaboration sits at the heart of the clinical pharmacy team's approach. Weekly case discussions and joint training sessions with GPs, nurses and care home staff have strengthened communication and have helped to provide joined-up support for high-risk patients.
One practice manager described the pharmacists as 'professional, reliable and first class', praising their contribution to safer, more efficient care.
Through a combination of clinical expertise, compassion and teamwork, Blackburn with Darwen's clinical pharmacy team has shown how pharmacy can drive meaningful, sustainable improvements in patient care.
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This is one of six shortlisted entries for Pharmacist/Pharmacy Team of the Year at the General Practice Awards. The winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony on Friday 5 December at the Novotel London West. If you’d like to be there on the night you can find out more here and book tickets here.
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