THE winter cold and flu season has started, with 15million people expected to fall ill with coughs and sniffles.
At the front line of tackling the nation’s ailments are the UK’s army of community pharmacists.
The role they play has expanded rapidly in recent years, moving from the traditional medicine dispenser to an integral part of patient care.
They now offer vaccinations, chronic disease management and direct prescribing, to help take pressure off the NHS.
But as pharmacists do more, then more staff are needed.
NHS England figures show that around 28,700 people currently work as pharmacists, up five per cent on 2023.
But the NHS is looking to expand the workforce by a further 16,000 by 2036.
There is also a growing need for other pharmacy team roles, including pharmacy technicians, who are registered healthcare professionals in their own right and work in partnership with pharmacists to ensure the safe running of the pharmacy, and dispensers, who prepare and dispense medications.
Many stores are also hiring wellness advisers too.
Claire Nevinson, who is Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots, says: “A community pharmacist is a pillar of their community, a trusted source of healthcare information, advice and support in the heart of our high streets.
‘Brilliant pathways’
“It’s also an exciting and varied career. I would encourage any young person considering a role in healthcare, or a career route that allows them to provide hands-on support to people when they need it most, to consider roles in community pharmacy.”
Studying to become a pharmacist takes a minimum of five years, with a combined four-year pharmacy degree and 12 months of foundation training in a pharmacy and a registration exam.
However, entry-level candidates interested in starting a career in healthcare can work as health and wellness assistants, giving personalised support to customers.
There is a regulatory requirement for any pharmacy team member to meet General Pharmaceutical Council standards, which will help you land a Level 2 pharmacy role. These include customer healthcare advisers, healthcare specialists and healthcare clinic assistants.
With a Level 3 qualification you can then become a pharmacy technician. They work under pharmacists’ supervision to ensure the pharmacy’s safe running.
As well as having a clear career path, many pharmacists move into big-paying management roles.
Claire adds: “There are brilliant pathways to leadership.
“Pharmacists and other pharmacy team members can become store managers and there are a range of management roles in our head office healthcare team that are filled by pharmacists and pharmacy-trained colleagues.”
Want to know more? Prescribe yourself a new career with these top tips . . .
- Grow your confidence and be prepared to learn every day. A role in pharmacy is all about interacting with and helping others, listening to their needs and recommending solutions.
- Gain a broad range of experiences across different areas of pharmacy. Work in various settings and with diverse patient populations to develop a holistic understanding of the profession.
- Have a commitment to continuous learning. The field of pharmacy is constantly changing and eagerness to learn is essential for professional development and success.
- Develop strong problem-solving skills. Pharmacy is a brilliant yet complex profession to work in. The decisions that pharmacists make day to day can have a huge impact on patients. This means that often the role requires agility and quick thinking.
- Never lose sight of the fundamental reason you chose a career in pharmacy. Your primary focus should always be on the wellbeing of your patients.
‘I get to make a difference every day’
DEBORAH NWACHUKWU, 29, is a Boots store manager at the Birmingham Northfield branch. She tells why she loves her job:
“In the pharmacy, no two days are the same and that’s mainly because no two people are the same.
There’s no saying what type of patient or query will come in, but that really is the fun of it.
A large part of my role is to deliver a range of private and NHS services.
This week, my diary has been full of flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
On top of this, I carry out things like blood pressure checks and the NHS Contraception Service.
I have recently qualified as a prescriber of medication for hypertension [high blood pressure]. I’m able to prescribe the same medication you would get from the GP for those with blood pressure issues.
The reason I first considered a career in healthcare was because I love helping people.
Still, to this day, the thing I love the most is being able to deliver support and helping to make a difference in the community.”
EX-FORCES CALL
ALL aboard for a new role with the Royal Navy.
With demand for skilled STEM professionals at a record high, the Navy has teamed up with recruiter STEM Returners to encourage experienced ex-Forces staff to re-enter vital engineering roles.
The pilot programme will fill key jobs, helping to strengthen the Navy’s capability.
Natalie Desty, Director of STEM Returners, said: “We know that people leaving the military face huge barriers when trying to return to work, whether that’s in a civilian role or returning to the Armed Forces.
“A break should not mean your career stops.
“Our programme helps people to return in a supported environment.”
See stemreturners.com.
MINISO GOING BIG
HIGH street success story Miniso is recruiting 300 staff for sales roles across the UK.
The lifestyle retailer stocks a range of affordable homeware, toys, cosmetics and snacks and has sparked a craze for collectibles among Gen Alpha.
The retailer is braced for record Christmas sales as shoppers snap up the latest plushies and figurines from Disney, Sanrio and Pokemon.
There are also opportunities for festive staff to move into permanent positions as the chain opens more stores.
Miniso’s Saad Usman said: “We love a success story, especially when someone joins us as a temp and grows into a supervisor or manager.”
Apply on Indeed or email recruitment@kouriten.com.
HELPING WOMEN THROUGH ‘CHANGE’
OCTOBER is World Menopause Awareness Month, but research suggests only one in four UK firms have a menopause policy.
Deborah Garlick, of specialist training firm Menopause Friendly, says: “We should use the month as a springboard to turn best intentions into actions.”
Here she shares her advice on how to build a simple yet effective strategy . . .
- Empower menopause champions and peer networks: This peer-to-peer approach makes support personal and visible. Champions run drop-ins, hold awareness sessions and help colleagues to feel seen and understood.
- Everyone’s experience of menopause is unique: Great managers take time to listen, understand and have open conversations about what would help. The focus should be on making reasonable adjustments that work for the individual, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Menopause doesn’t stand alone: Everyone’s experience is different. For example, someone may also be a mum, a carer, neurodivergent or from an ethnic background where menopause is less openly discussed. Aligning menopause support with inclusive HR programmes and policies is key to success.
- Senior leadership: Cultural change in the workplace is driven from the top. It empowers everyone to talk about menopause. Ensure tiered, structured training for all, especially managers.
- Listen before you act: The best organisations design menopause support by first listening to colleagues. Use anonymous surveys, feedback from employee networks and pilot programmes to shape your approach.
- Create dedicated digital menopause hubs: Use the workplace intranet or wellbeing portal to give access to resources 24/7.
Jobspot
WH SMITH has rebranded as TGJones and has 115 Christmas sales assistant roles on offer around the UK.
For more details, check out tgjones.careers.
