A Newcastle pharmacist who helped establish the University of Newcastle’s pharmacy program and foundation pharmacy fund has been recognised for his achievements.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s NSW branch awarded Newcastle pharmacist Chris Piggot a certificate of achievement for his outstanding service to the pharmacy profession.

PSA NSW president Peter Gissing said Mr Piggot has shown amazing commitment to pharmacy along with innovative pharmacy practice.

"Chris is certainly one of those pharmacists that others in the profession look up and seek guidance from," he said.

The branch also recognised the work of pharmacist Gerard Stevens who introduced the Webster system that has been instrumental in reducing nursing home medication administration errors.

The dynamic system allows collaboration with allied health professionals and reduces medicate waste and government costs.

Mr Stevens, who was presented with the PSA lifetime achievement award last year after 48 years in the profession, was elevated to become a fellow of the society.

The branch awarded a fellowship to Gerry McInerney, who was recently elected as a member of the newly formed Pharmacy Board of Australia.

The branch also named former Mudgee pharmacist Sally Whiting, 22, as its 2010 Intern of the Year.

The pharmacy intern received top marks during her intern placement and now works as a pharmacist at Orange.

The industry awards come on top of a major milestone for the PSA, which recently signed an historic strategic alliance with the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand.

The agreement is aimed at further developing the profession and forging agreater role for pharmacists in the health care systems of both countries.