Career’s Conference CBS Omagh October 24 th 2014

` Introduction Liam Bradley Began working as a pharmacist in 1989 and became a pharmacy contractor in Managing Director of Bradleys Pharmacy Group based in Northern Ireland and North Meols Pharmacy Group based in North West of England. Board Member of Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland which negotiates with the Department of Health in N Ireland in regards to provision of pharmacy service. Between both companies there are approximately 100 full or part time employees consisting of about 20 pharmacists and most of the rest being trained (NVQ level 2 and 3) support staff.

` Our Staff Pharmacists Can either be a pharmacy manager or a second pharmacist. Currently recruited from our existing pre registration students. Few positions available in this area at the moment because of number of graduates and staff staying in our employment. In recent years there has been numerous applicants for the few pharmacist positions that become available. Pharmacists are not now simply the dispenser of medications they provide many other healthcare services. Pharmacists in Bradleys Pharmacy are encouraged to take on outside roles with local community or voluntary groups.

` Our Staff (Continued) Pharmacy Staff Can either work in retail or in the pharmacy. Staff are expected to complete at least an NVQ level two or equivalent and if possible NVQ level 3. Staff need to have a good knowledge in English, Maths and some qualification in IT. If missing Maths or English at GCSE we do not employ. Staff receive on the job training as well as off site training. We pay staff to attend this training. Retail staff need to have good communication skills in order to convey information to our customers and sell.

` Pharmacist Duties What does a pharmacist do? Dispenses prescriptions. Gives Health care advice and checking for medical interactions. Completes Medication Use Reviews (MURs). Engages in Health Promotion. Smoking Cessation. Selling Medications to the public (OTC medication). Medical Interventions. Provision of a Minor Aliment Scheme. Interacts with other healthcare professionals. Salary £19,000 to £23,000 (Decreasing).

` Pharmacy Manager What does a pharmacy manager do? All points on the previous slides carried out by a Pharmacist Managing the stock in the pharmacy. Managing the staff in the pharmacy including HR issues. Promoting their branch to the public. Ensure that their pharmacy is following all the Standard Operating Procedures as demanded of it by the Department Health and also those set by the company. Ensure cash is lodged and prescriptions are sent in for pricing each month. Dealing with the KPI Key Performance Indicators as determined by the company. Salary £25,000 to £35,000 (decreasing).

` Support Staff Role What do pharmacy staff do? Role depends on both experience and qualification after obtaining a NVQ qualification commonly called a Dispensing Assistant or Dispensing Technician (Explain difference). Main role is to assist the pharmacist by assembling prescriptions. Sell OTC medicines that are not (P) pharmacy medicines sell P medicines under the supervision of the pharmacist. Advising the public on Health related matters. Provide smoking cessation. Salary £6.80 (over 18) to £8.50 depending on qualifications and experience.

` Work Experience Opportunities We offer any student who feels they might want to do pharmacy an opportunity to work in our company. Any student who wants work experience will be offered a place as long as there is not a student already in for that week. Work shadowing for students interested in pharmacy is available. Apprenticeships are offered in England but not in N Ireland. Students must recognise that they must come well presented which the vast majority do.

` Qualifications Pharmacist Need a degree in pharmacy. 1 years pre registration training. PSNI or RPS registration exam. Pharmacy Technician No minimum entry but at very least 4 GCSEs with English, Maths and preferably one Science subject NVQ Level two is sufficient for Community Pharmacy however you a NVG Level 3 is required to work in Secondary Care (Hospital)

` Main Challenges What are the challenges for community pharmacy? Declining health spending per person by Central Government Use of Technology to centralise pharmacists work Hub and Spoke

` Other Pharmacist Opportunities Hospital GP Surgeries Health Boards Pharmaceutical Industry Academia Locum Work

Pharmacy A degree in Pharmacy can no longer be considered as simply the pathway to become a pharmacist, A degree in pharmacy must be seen as a desirable degree in its own right that can lead to numerous employment opportunities in which being a pharmacist is only the main one but not the only outcome.

To Finish Questions and Answers Summary Thank you