A Day In The Life Of A Pharmacist (NHS)

We will always need health advice, recommendations and medication thus pharmacists are essential to the health of our community. So regardless of living in a recession, pharmacists are certainly in demand.


Can you sum up your main responsibilities?


To summarise, I provide a pharmaceutical service to regular wards. This involves me undertaking medicine reconciliation from patient/parents/carers on admission and resolve any queries or concerns they might have regarding the medicines prescribed. I provide advice and information to all prescribers on optimal medications and dosages and attend consultant ward rounds. I develop, implement, monitor and evaluate protocols and guidelines within the specialist rotational clinical area and ensure evidence based medicine is practiced. Furthermore, I am also involved in training other healthcare professionals - nurses, doctors, junior pharmacists and pre-registration pharmacists. I locum at Boots occasionally as well as working in the hospital, this hels to maintain my knowledge of of over the counter medicines.

Do you require further education to get to your current position?


Yes, along with completing an MPharm degree (4 years), I undertook a pre-registration year at West Middlesex Hospital in order to be on the pharmacist register and able to practice as a pharmacist. I went on to get a clinical diploma in Pharmacy practice.


What are the working hours like?


I usually work Monday-Fridays , from 9am-5pm. Sometimes, I might be required to work the off weekend shift depending on a rota basis.


What are the pluses and minuses of working as a pharmacist?


Working as a pharmacist is a very rewarding, especially if you build good working relationships with your ward colleagues. A satisfying part of my job is making a significant medication related intervention which benefits the patients and their family and the treatment of their illness. A less positive part of my job is, the time consumed in training and professional development is essential which means that you never stop studying!


What has been the greatest achievement of your career?


So far, building lasting relationships with different healthcare professionals in different hospitals and gaining a large network of contacts.