An NHS Lanarkshire Senior Pharmacy Cancer Care Technician is a finalist for Pharmacy Technician of the Year at the Scottish Healthcare Awards 2025.
Adele Pessina, a key member of the Cancer Care Pharmacy Team at University Hospital Wishaw, was nominated by her colleague Kelly Baillie, Lead Cancer Care Pharmacist, in recognition of her exceptional dedication to patient-centred care and her outstanding contributions to oncology pharmacy.
Kelly said: “Adele is an outstanding pharmacy technician who brings compassion, clinical insight and unwavering commitment to her role every single day. She champions patient education, particularly through a ‘back to basics’ approach that ensures patients feel informed and empowered.
“Adele was instrumental in launching education sessions for patients with prostate cancer and, with the support of fellow pharmacy technicians, she has expanded this initiative to cover a broader range of medications. This proactive approach has already demonstrated improvements in patient understanding, reduced medication errors, and enhanced treatment adherence.
“Adele advocates fiercely for her patients, supports her colleagues with kindness and consistently goes above and beyond to ensure safe, timely access to cancer treatment. For Adele to be selected as a finalist is richly deserved.”
Known affectionately as ‘Auntie Adele’ by her colleagues, Adele is celebrated, not only for her clinical expertise, but also for the warmth and support she brings to the team. Her experience spans paediatric oncology, primary care and adult cancer care.
From personally delivering medicines to patients’ homes to calmly resolving complex issues, Adele’s actions reflect a deep commitment to patient-centred care.
Adele said: “I’m incredibly proud to be chosen as a finalist. It means so much to be recognised for doing a job I love.
“I’m grateful to work with such a supportive team and to be part of a service that puts patients at the heart of everything we do.”
Adele’s nomination highlights the vital role pharmacy technicians play in cancer care and celebrates her passion for continuous learning and professional development.
The winner will be announced at a ceremony on Wednesday 19 November at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow.
