NHS careers campaign embraces pharmacy
Tess Fenn, Katie Fernandes, John Reid and Deirdre Brady |
A new NHS careers recruitment campaign was launched in London this week by Health Secretary John Reid. Pharmacy was represented by Deirdre Brady, medical admission pharmacist, and Katie Fernandes, chief medicines management technician, both from Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, and Tess Fenn, chief pharmacy technician, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital.
Pippa Roberts, chief pharmacist at Chelsea and Westminster, commented
that recruitment and retention rates were starting to improve across
London. At Chelsea and Westminster this is in part due to the introduction
of structured training schemes, the introduction of robotics and team
based clinical services. She added: “The highest vacancy rates
are for C and D grade pharmacists across the region and technicians of
MTO2 grade.”
David Scott, regional training pharmacist, Thames Valley region, who
co-ordinates national surveys by the NHS Pharmacy Education and Development
Committee, told The Journal: “Recruitment is currently matching
the increase in demand, but is still not making up for the past shortfall.
One concern is that 28 per cent of junior posts are either vacant or
occupied by locums.”
Mrs Fernandes said: “This new campaign should help to promote pharmacy
as a whole. There is a need to recognise the various roles within pharmacy.” |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal