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Celebrating a vital role

National Pharmacist Day

National Pharmacist Day: Celebrating a vital role

This National Pharmacist Day we would like to shine a spotlight on the role played by pharmacists in our organisation and the incredible work the team does to keep our patient communities safe.

Observed every year on 12 January, National Pharmacist Day recognises the essential contributions of pharmacists in the healthcare community. Their evolving role has shifted to a more clinical focus, enabling them to manage minor conditions and support patients with long term conditions and multiple medicines. As independent prescribers, pharmacists now work holistically alongside other healthcare professionals to support the patient’s treatment journey and enhance patient care.

Our pharmacists play a crucial role in supporting our patient communities

At HUC, our Pharmacy team is responsible for all aspects of medication management. They help us to ensure continuity of care, delivering an effective supply of prescribed medications to service users and patients across our sites.

The pharmacist role was established in 2017, initially to offer pharmaceutical advice in medicines and prescribe emergency medicines to patients when GP surgeries are closed. The role has evolved significantly into managing patients with minor illnesses of varying complexities, and thus being able to support other clinicians with telephone triage consultations.

Portia Mlalazi

Clinical Pharmacist and Team Leader Portia Mlalazi says, “I feel privileged to support and work alongside the exceptional pharmacy staff at HUC, who work tirelessly and often behind the scenes, to ensure that patients receive the medications they need and that clinical staff are supported with expert advice.”

“I am also grateful for the support and collaborative work with other healthcare professionals, which ensures that patients receive holistic healthcare,” she adds.

HUC’s collaboration with Pharmacy First

As an NHS 111 service provider, HUC has been able to support Pharmacy First – locally and nationally. Patients are now able to access a local pharmacy for treatment of 7 conditions, see below, by attending or contacting the pharmacy or by referral from the GP practice, urgent and emergency care settings, and NHS 111 (online and via telephone).

Conditions pharmacists can offer prescription medicine for are:

  • impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
  • infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
  • earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
  • sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
  • sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
  • urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16 to 64 years)
  • shingles (aged 18 years and over)

This service has seen great benefits, especially in freeing up GP appointments for patients who need them most and has given people quicker and more convenient access to safe and high-quality healthcare.

Lead Pharmacist Icha Chandrasekharan says, “National Pharmacist Day is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the vital contributions of pharmacists in supporting patients and optimising their treatment through effective medication management.”

“Working at HUC as the Lead Pharmacist has provided me with the rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact on patient care in numerous ways. From ensuring medications are safe and appropriate for patients, to facilitating easy access to medication and advice when needed, I have also had the privilege of collaborating closely with the nursing and medical teams.”

Thank you to all our dedicated healthcare professionals across our organisation, they are all essential in ensuring we continue to provide the best quality of care for all our patients.