David Jarvis, who has worked at South Bank Pharmacy for 35 years, and owned it for three decades, was named as the driving force behind the site’s success in the Independent Pharmacy Awards 2026.
South Bank Pharmacy owner David Jarvis and staff members(Image: South Bank Pharmacy)
A South Bank pharmacy owner of 30 years has been credited for the chemist’s team scooping a top UK gong. David Jarvis, who has worked at South Bank Pharmacy for 35 years, and owned it for three decades, was named as the driving force behind the site’s success in the Independent Pharmacy Awards 2026.
The pharmacy, on South Terrace, was highly commended in the Pharmacy Team of the Year category at the awards held on September 30 in the House of Commons.
The Independent Pharmacy Awards highlight the work of community pharmacy teams across the UK, and is judged by industry professionals, including pharmacists, professionals from membership bodies, and executives from local pharmaceutical committees.
Of the team, the panel wrote: “Located in South Bank, Middlesbrough, an area with significant health inequalities and high levels of healthcare need, the pharmacy’s greatest achievement has been its transformation over the past year from delivering limited clinical services to embedding proactive healthcare into everyday practice.”
The team identifies opportunities to improve health, discuss available support, and guide patients towards appropriate care, “rather than waiting to be asked about services.” This has led to improved patient outcomes – including a team member identifying a lesion and encouraging further assessment, leading to a diagnosis of skin cancer, during a routine patient interaction.
South Bank’s responsible pharmacist, Luke Elliott, told Teesside Live: “Our owner, David Jarvis, deserves a great deal of credit. Mr Jarvis has worked at South Bank Pharmacy for 35 years and owned it for 30.
“When he unexpectedly had to retire from his day-to-day role in 2025, I stepped in as the responsible pharmacist and helped the staff step up to take on the responsibilities he had previously managed. That transition was possible because of the thorough training, leadership and support he had given the team over many years.”
At the Awards, South Bank pharmacists and technicians were highly commended for their work as a team, which has improved patient care and business performance. The provisions of vaccinations, contraception, blood pressure checks, and NHS Pharmacy First services were exceptional and the team went above and beyond in servicing their community.”
South Bank Pharmacy has delivered over 400 hypertension checks, 800 vaccinations, and 200 contraception consultations. One judge said: “What the team has done is very impressive. You get a sense that there’s nothing they wouldn’t do for their patients.”
Luke continued: “People often know us for dispensing prescriptions but may not realise how much healthcare support they can access locally. The awards write-up highlights over 400 blood pressure checks, 800 vaccinations and 200 contraception consultations. For us, those figures represent people getting practical help close to home.
“Building on Mr. Jarvis’ foundations, myself and the team placed an even greater focus on healthcare services, helping more local people access advice, treatment and preventative care. Mr Jarvis remains the owner, and his commitment to the South Bank community continues to shape everything we do. This recognition is also a tribute to the skills, confidence and care he instilled in his staff.”
“This recognition is a celebration of our whole team and the patients we serve. We’re grateful for their continued trust and support. This recognition belongs to every member of our team. Thank you for everything you do to support our patients and keep the pharmacy running each day.”
The team of 12 has made an incredible impact: Luke Elliott oversees accuracy checking technicians Tracey, Nikki, Jaqueline and Abigail, and the dispensing team, Wendy, Kay, Parveen, Nina, and trainee Piper, as well as John and Kenny, who work on deliveries.
Director Kevin Simpson and accuracy checking technician Adrian Gage attended the ceremony and accepted the award on behalf of the team.
Other categories at the Independent Pharmacy Awards are Pharmacy Technician of the Year, Pharmacy Innovation of the Year, Independent Prescriber of the Year, Best Supporting Local Representative Group, and Independent Pharmacist of the Year.
The team said: “Our aim is to make South Bank Pharmacy somewhere people feel comfortable coming for advice and healthcare. Whether that’s getting a blood pressure check, discussing contraception, having a vaccination or receiving help through Pharmacy First, we want more people to know what’s available on their doorstep.
“South Bank has had its share of difficult headlines, so it’s lovely to share a positive story about the people working hard for this community. This recognition means a great deal to us, and we hope it makes Mr Jarvis proud to see the team building on everything he has taught us.
“Anyone wanting to find out more about our services can call the pharmacy on 01642 452968 or pop in and speak to the team.”
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