IT has taken them five years of training to get where they are - but 23 newly qualified pharmacists have just launched their careers in Glasgow hospitals.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has welcomed the newly qualified pharmacists as part of acute, mental health and primary care pharmacy teams delivering in patient care.

They have completed five years of initial education and training, including a four year degree and one year of foundation training across acute, mental health and primary care settings.

Amy Hutchison, from the Isle of Lewis, is one of the newly qualified pharmacists based at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. 

The 24-year-old completed her foundation year training at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Children.

Now at GRI, she said: “The first few shifts have been good and everyone has been very welcoming and supportive. 

"I am looking forward to continuing my professional development and learning through the new post-registration foundation pharmacist programme.

"I feel that my role as a pharmacist is invaluable to ensure the safe use of medicines as part of the team, providing the very best in patient-centred care."

Hospital pharmacists work as part of the multidisciplinary team to ensure patients get maximum benefit from their medicines. 

The pharmacy team at NHSGGC also includes pharmacy technicians and pharmacy assistants. 

The newly qualified pharmacists will join the Post-Registration Foundation Pharmacist programme leading them to complete their Independent Prescribing qualification within the first two or three years of practice. 

The pharmacists will continue to be supported to develop their careers by their colleagues and Pharmacy Services Education and Training team.

Gail Caldwell, Director of Pharmacy at NHSGGC welcomed the new intake. 

She said: “It’s wonderful to welcome our newly qualified pharmacists to the NHSGGC family. 

"I know just how hard they have worked to get to this stage, not least when their studies were impacted by the pandemic.

"That experience will hold them in good stead as they continue their training and work across our services. 

"Our pharmacists are an integral part of the NHS and play a critical role in providing safe care and treatment for our patients."