Sussex Pharmacy Conference 2026 inspires collaboration and innovation
Pharmacy professionals from across Sussex came together on Saturday 16 May for the second annual Sussex Pharmacy Conference at the University of Brighton, exploring how the profession can help shape the future of healthcare delivery across the region.
Held under the theme “Shaping our Future”, the conference provided a platform for professional growth, networking, innovation and collaboration, bringing together pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, educators, researchers and healthcare leaders committed to excellence in pharmacy practice across Sussex.
The event opened with welcome remarks recognising the significant transformation currently taking place within the profession, including the introduction of prescribing-ready pharmacists to the register from summer 2026, the evolving roles of pharmacy technicians and pharmacists, the rollout of the NHS 10 Year Plan, and the development of the new Royal College for pharmacy professionals.
Delegates heard how, despite uncertainty across the wider healthcare landscape, Sussex is well placed to lead the future of pharmacy services through its strong partnerships, collaborative networks and highly skilled workforce.
A keynote address was delivered by David Webb, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for England, who returned for a second consecutive year to share national insights on the future direction of pharmacy and the vital contribution pharmacy professionals will continue to make within integrated healthcare systems.
Throughout the day, attendees took part in a wide-ranging programme of interactive workshops and discussions covering topics including leadership development, research capability, medicines adherence, prescribing support, digital maturity, and the growing role of automation and artificial intelligence within pharmacy practice. Delegates also explored how pharmacy technicians are helping bridge theory and practice through innovative case-based learning approaches.
The conference concluded with an expert panel discussion focused on “The Future of Pharmacy in Sussex”, with speakers reflecting on the opportunities ahead for the profession and the importance of collaboration, innovation and workforce development in delivering high-quality patient care.
The event also celebrated excellence across the profession through the Sussex Pharmacy Awards 2026, recognising individuals and teams making a significant impact across pharmacy services in the region.
Award winners included:
- Innovation in Patient Care: Ann Marie Goacher
- Excellence in Continuing Professional Development or Education of Others: Paula Parker
- Environmental Sustainability: Samira Islam
- First place poster winner: Madeleine Honey
- Second place poster winner: Lucy Ramshaw
The conference showcased the strength, ambition and innovation within Sussex’s pharmacy workforce and reinforced a shared commitment to shaping services that meet the changing needs of patients and communities.
Neveen Sorial, Deputy Director Medicines Optimisation at NHS Surrey and Sussex, said:
This year’s conference has once again demonstrated the passion, innovation and commitment that exists across our pharmacy workforce in Sussex. At a time of significant change for the profession, it has been incredibly valuable to bring colleagues together to share ideas, learn from one another and explore how we can collectively shape the future of pharmacy services for our patients and communities.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Brighton, Professor Donna Whitehead, said:
Pharmacy is increasingly recognised as central to the future of healthcare delivery, particularly in prevention, prescribing and community-based care. At the University of Brighton, we are proud to bring together NHS leaders, educators and practitioners to support innovation, workforce development and better health outcomes across Sussex and beyond.
The Sussex Pharmacy Conference 2026 was co-delivered by NHS Surrey and Sussex and University of Brighton, in collaboration with the Sussex Institute of Medicines Education and Research (SIMER), continuing to strengthen links between education, research and clinical practice across the region.