Celebrating 40 Years of Ashtons: A Journey of Excellence, Innovation, and Partnership

A Vision Born in 1984

In 1984, Ashtons Late Night Pharmacy was established and laid the foundation for the company we know today. From the very beginning, there was a clear vision — to revolutionise pharmacy services in Brighton, offering more than just medication dispensing but comprehensive healthcare solutions.

The potential to expand beyond the traditional community pharmacy model was soon identified. By recognising the specific needs of care homes, Ashtons Pharmacy Care Services was born. This pioneering approach led to the development of pharmacy services that soon supported 120 care homes in the Brighton area alone, setting the stage for Ashtons’ future growth.

Expanding Horizons: Independent Hospitals and Hospices

The 1990s saw a significant shift in Ashtons’ focus towards independent mental health hospitals. In 1995, our partnership with Priory Healthcare Brighton & Hove marked a new era. It paved the way for the creation of bespoke medicines management solutions that continue to evolve today.

By 1997, Ashtons had expanded further into the healthcare sector, working with its first hospice, The Martlet’s Hospice in Hove. This marked the beginning of our commitment to providing specialised solutions for palliative care, further broadening our impact on patient outcomes.

Innovation and Digital Transformation

In 2005, Ashtons Hospital Pharmacy Services became its own limited company, separating from Ashtons Late Night Pharmacy. This separation allowed for a renewed focus on innovation, enabling Ashtons to develop cutting-edge pharmacy services. As we expanded our offerings, training and e-learning platforms were introduced, helping healthcare providers ensure safe and effective medication management.

Our commitment to innovation led to a major milestone in 2014 with the release of Ashtons Live View, a revolutionary pharmacy reporting system. Live View not only improved reporting processes but also significantly reduced medication errors by 56% across all sites that adopted the system. The success of this software was a clear indication of the role technology would play in the future of healthcare.

A Digital Future: Ashtons e-Works

The pandemic year of 2020 did not slow us down. With new investment from LDC, Ashtons embraced a digital-first approach, leading to the launch of Ashtons e-Works in 2021, our award winning electronic prescribing and medicines administration (EPMA) system. Seven years in the making, e-Works is designed to enhance patient safety and outcomes. It has been proven to reduce prescribing errors by up to 88% and medicines administration errors by up to 94%, showcasing its pivotal role in improving healthcare services.

Our digital solutions have been widely adopted by healthcare providers, with Ashtons reaching 300 clients by 2023. These advancements have cemented our position as a leader in digital pharmacy solutions, laying a strong foundation for the future.

A Bright Future Ahead

2022 saw the introduction of our new brand, solidifying our vision as we look towards a future driven by digital innovation and customer-centric solutions. This was soon followed in 2023 by the introduction of a new management team, led by Stephen Tuddenham. Now, with a nationwide team of over 60 clinical pharmacists and a dedicated support team, Ashtons is committed to continuing our legacy of excellence.

Our medicines management solutions are tailored to the unique needs of healthcare providers, promoting regulatory compliance and ensuring patients receive the best possible treatment. Whether through medicines optimisation or advanced digital platforms like Ashtons Live View and e-Works, we are dedicated to making a meaningful impact on healthcare outcomes.

Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey

As we celebrate 40 years of Ashtons, we extend our deepest gratitude to our clients, partners, and team members who have been part of this incredible journey. Together, we have shaped the future of pharmacy services and healthcare delivery, and together, we will continue to innovate, evolve, and succeed.

Here’s to the next 40 years of Ashtons, delivering excellence, innovation, and partnership. Thank you for being a part of our story!