The South Eastern Trust recently marked World Pharmacists’ Day, by recognising the important role Hospital Pharmacists play in ensuring safe and effective patient care, from admission to discharge.
This year’s theme, “Think Health, Think Pharmacist”, celebrates the dedication, expertise of our hospital Pharmacy Teams, whose work is essential in maintaining safe, high-quality patient care across the Trust. Pharmacists undertake various roles, from dispensing medicines to supporting patients and staff across hospital wards and outpatient services.
South Eastern Trust, Patient Safety Pharmacist, Claire Coey-Niebel, explained the importance of raising awareness of hospital pharmacy, “Many people think of Pharmacists as working in Community Pharmacies, but within a hospital, the role of the Pharmacist can often be hidden. We are not always at the forefront, so it is important to show the public and the next generation considering a career in healthcare, the vital role we play in a patient’s journey during their hospital stay.”
Medicines Governance Pharmacist, Matthew Wilson, highlighted the breadth of services provided, “Within the dispensary, we issue medicines to wards and clinics and dispense patients’ prescriptions for discharge. Some discharges are also prepared at ward level by our Pharmacy Team. We also have an Aseptic Unit, where we make bespoke Chemotherapy and special nutritional products for patients who cannot eat or swallow.
“Pharmacists also work on wards, prescribe medicines, monitor patient safety and provide specialist advice in outpatient clinics. We play a key role in checking medicines for interactions and safe dosing, which is critical for patient safety.”
Claire added, “World Pharmacists’ Day is a chance for everyone to recognise the essential role Pharmacists play in keeping patients safe, right from the start of their hospital journey. As a Patient Safety Pharmacist, I work closely with our Governance Pharmacist to support incident management, education and policy work. I love the education side of my job, helping colleagues across professions, including Doctors, Dentists, Domiciliary Care Workers and fellow Pharmacists, understand and apply safety guidance, such as national alerts about medicine risks.
“Hospital Pharmacy involves many areas. Our new electronic prescribing and administration system with barcode scanning has improved patient safety, while our Procurement Team ensures the right products are available in the right time. Every aspect of pharmacy contributes to keeping patients safe.”
Matthew stated, “Pharmacists make a huge difference to patients. Our role has evolved enormously over the years, we are always thinking about medicines, dosages, safety and interactions. We provide expert advice to other healthcare professionals and directly to patients. When you come into hospital, you will often meet a Pharmacist who ensures your medicines are optimised, that your treatment continues safely and that you receive the best possible care.”