I attended University of Nottingham & qualified as a pharmacist in 2000, with a detour around Chicago on the way. I also hold a Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy, Independent Prescribing & currently completing an asthma diploma.
Pre-reg & then a stint in various community pharmacies proved that community was not my area of interest. A break into secondary care initially in the dispensary led to one of the first emergency department clinical pharmacist posts in Northern Ireland.
Currently I provide support to 8 practices in various guises- including IP clinics & clinical pharmacist support. The GP clinical pharmacist role has evolved significantly over time. I continue to implement innovative ways of working to improve prescribing & hence quality of care for patients.
I have been instrumental with 4 colleagues in establishing the NI Practice Pharmacists group, allowing us share experience, best practice & discuss the roles going forward.