Luvjit Kandula FRPharmS MBA, Director of Strategy and Pharmacy Transformation at Community Pharmacy Greater Manchester

Dr Gareth Thomas, Clinical Director Digital and Data Products at Health Innovation Manchester and NHS Greater Manchester

Towards the end of 2025, we had the privilege of visiting Amul Mistry at Well Pharmacy in Oldham. Amul and his team are redefining what community pharmacy can and should be. Far from being a “robotic dispenser,” Amul and the team are proving that with the right tools, mindset, and partnerships, pharmacies can deliver exceptional, holistic care that truly puts people first.

From Dispensing to Caring

Walking into the pharmacy, you immediately sense the difference. This is not just about handing out medicines, it’s about looking after people. By leveraging the GM Care Record (GMCR), the team can identify patterns, for example repeated inhaler requests from different care providers, and intervene early, preventing problems before they escalate. Amul knows most patients personally, which means every consultation – sometimes up to 100 a day – is an opportunity to make a real difference.

“We’re not just handing out medicines, we’re looking after people.” – Amul Mistry

This approach embodies the principle of putting community back into community pharmacy.

Collaboration That Works

The pharmacy’s success is rooted in strong collaboration with the GP practice across the road. Through the Independent Prescribing Initiative, Amul’s team is reducing GP workload significantly which is a lifeline for primary care under pressure. While staff prepare scripts, Amul focuses on consultations, ensuring patients receive timely, safe, and person-centred care.

Checking the GMCR for every patient isn’t optional here, it’s essential. As Amul puts it, “Using the GMCR means patients benefit from a system-wide care team, where everyone has the information they need to deliver the best outcomes.”

Impact That Resonates

Patients notice the difference. Gratitude flows in the form of thank-you cards and gifts, but the real reward is healthier communities. Amul’s philosophy is simple yet powerful:

“Great care builds trust, and trust is what makes a community pharmacy thrive.”

Why This Matters

This model aligns perfectly with NHS England’s ‘Left Shift’ strategy, moving care closer to home and easing pressure on hospitals. It’s more than a success story, it’s a blueprint for integrated care across Greater Manchester and beyond.

Scaling the Vision

Of course, scaling this model won’t happen overnight. Amul describes the opportunity to bring more community pharmacies on board through support and coaching, practice upgrades e.g., through dedicated consulting rooms, clear commissioning arrangements, and clarification around clinical liability. The potential here is enormous to create a network of community pharmacies empowered to deliver proactive, holistic care, transforming patient experience and system efficiency.

Amul Mistry’s pharmacy is proof that when you combine technology, trust, and teamwork, you can create something extraordinary. This is not just a pharmacy – it’s the future of community care.