Sheffield pharmacist Martin Bennett has been shortlisted for the NHS Parliamentary Awards in recognition of his service to the profession and his patients over more than 50 years.

The awards shortlist was published earlier today (June 13), with all award hopefuls nominated by MPs. Mr Bennett was put forward for the Lifetime Achievement category by Paul Blomfield, the Labour MP for Sheffield Central.

The award recognises “an individual who has worked within a health or care setting for 40 years or more who has left a legacy”.

Mr Bennett runs the award-winning Wicker Pharmacy, an extended hours pharmacy that opens seven days a week throughout the year. His award entry says he has “led, trained and encouraged excellent teams with the number one aim of providing the best possible services to patients” and offered “many cutting-edge services”. He is shortlisted alongside four nurses and two doctors.

“It’s quite an honour really,” Mr Bennett told Pharmacy Network News this afternoon. “It’s nice that people put my name forward for a start, and it’s nice to be amongst people who have done great things. I was quite pleased by it, all things considered." 

Also nominated in the awards is Bye Bye UTI – a community pharmacy pilot scheme led by the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board that saw pharmacies provide accessible, appointment-free consultations around urinary tract infections and provide timely diagnosis and treatment.

The scheme is shortlisted in the Excellence in Primary Care and Community Care Award, and was nominated by 11 MPs – the highest number of nominations received by any shortlisted entry.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Westminster on Wednesday July 5.