Fatima Abdi

Currently I work as a Band 7 Endocrine & Diabetes Pharmacist at Good Hope Hospital. Throughout my time working at University Hospitals Birmingham (Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull), I can proudly say I have collected a vast amount of knowledge and experience from the range of wards I have covered. During my pre-registration year, I was able to showcase my flexibility and managerial skills, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to limited staff, I often had to help manage the dispensary and oversee the counter. I continually reflected with the pharmacist on methods to streamline operating procedures by holistically reviewing the dispensary. I would come in early to the pharmacy, completing work left behind, putting up patient information posters and adapting to ever-changing coronavirus guidelines. Undertaking services such as the New Medicines Service and Community pharmacist consultation service developed my communication skills. During this busy period, I took on more responsibilities, such as delivering medications to patients isolating at home and dispensing methadone prescriptions. Because of the heavy workload, I had to prioritise specific tasks, such as making sure urgent blister packs were dispensed for the local nursing home on time. Furthermore, the lack of GP appointments meant I constantly interacted with patients from different backgrounds, including those with complex needs. I would elicit all the relevant information by using appropriate questions and adapting my communication style to the individual patient. For example, I used written communication to relay medication information to patients with hearing difficulties. In my training, I had the opportunity to participate in audits as part of the Pharmacy Quality Scheme. These audits included the screening of diabetic patients and the use of narrow therapeutic index drugs lithium and valproate. During my time as a clinical pharmacist at UHB trust, I have also undertaken the following rotations: Acute medicine, Diabetes, Cardiology, Stroke as well as geriatrics. I have gained abundant experience and knowledge from these clinical rotations. With these skills and knowledge I will be able to transfer over into primary care. This valuable knowledge allowed me to work independently under pressure, particularly during on-calls. As I furthered my clinical understanding, I was able to build stronger relationships with other members of the multidisciplinary team. Working across Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull developed my skills in meeting the demand of a fast-working environment. I mainly developed my time management and prioritisation skills. Looking after two wards, I am able to prioritise my workload by prioritising patients with high-risk medications and processing discharge prescriptions (TTOs) promptly. I can better organise my day-to-day activities and develop a structured learning approach for my independent learning. I have also taken the opportunity to showcase my leadership skills and take on extra responsibilities to support my team. For example, I would volunteer to cover on-call duties due to staff absences since the smooth running of pharmacy service is vital. Additionally, I have supported the new band 6 starters and Aston students, which was provided with positive feedback from senior pharmacists. Furthermore, as a hospital pharmacist, I routinely complete audits such as handling controlled drugs and the safe and secure handling of medicines (SASHIMs) on my wards. I am passionate about improving our pharmacy services and ensuring cost-effective strategies are implemented. During my geriatric rotation, I realised the ward had more missed doses than usual. I took the initiative to meet with the ward manager to highlight my concerns. I printed off the ward stock list and reminded the staff nurses to check stock before ordering medications. Over time I noticed an improvement in the number of missed doses. I believe working for the UHB trust has offered me the knowledge and experience to thrive in the primary care sector. As a healthcare professional constant evaluation and self-reflection is vital to provide the highest standard of patient care. Throughout my diploma and whilst on wards I would reflect on areas of improvement and look out for opportunities to complete CPD cycles. Recently I have completed my independent Prescribing course (results are pending).Becoming an independent pharmacist prescriber will allow me to provide value and help improve the quality of patients’ life. The knowledge and skills I gained from this course I will be able to participate in the improvement of person-centred care particularly with medicine optimisation.

Currently I work as a Band 7 Endocrine & Diabetes Pharmacist at Good Hope Hospital. Throughout my time working at University Hospitals Birmingham (Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull), I can proudly say I have collected a vast amount of knowledge and experience from the range of wards I have covered. During my pre-registration year, I was able to showcase my flexibility and managerial skills, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to limited staff, I often had to help manage the dispensary and oversee the counter. I continually reflected with the pharmacist on methods to streamline operating procedures by holistically reviewing the dispensary. I would come in early to the pharmacy, completing work left behind, putting up patient information posters and adapting to ever-changing coronavirus guidelines. Undertaking services such as the New Medicines Service and Community pharmacist consultation service developed my communication skills. During this busy period, I took on more responsibilities, such as delivering medications to patients isolating at home and dispensing methadone prescriptions. Because of the heavy workload, I had to prioritise specific tasks, such as making sure urgent blister packs were dispensed for the local nursing home on time. Furthermore, the lack of GP appointments meant I constantly interacted with patients from different backgrounds, including those with complex needs. I would elicit all the relevant information by using appropriate questions and adapting my communication style to the individual patient. For example, I used written communication to relay medication information to patients with hearing difficulties. In my training, I had the opportunity to participate in audits as part of the Pharmacy Quality Scheme. These audits included the screening of diabetic patients and the use of narrow therapeutic index drugs lithium and valproate. During my time as a clinical pharmacist at UHB trust, I have also undertaken the following rotations: Acute medicine, Diabetes, Cardiology, Stroke as well as geriatrics. I have gained abundant experience and knowledge from these clinical rotations. With these skills and knowledge I will be able to transfer over into primary care. This valuable knowledge allowed me to work independently under pressure, particularly during on-calls. As I furthered my clinical understanding, I was able to build stronger relationships with other members of the multidisciplinary team. Working across Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull developed my skills in meeting the demand of a fast-working environment. I mainly developed my time management and prioritisation skills. Looking after two wards, I am able to prioritise my workload by prioritising patients with high-risk medications and processing discharge prescriptions (TTOs) promptly. I can better organise my day-to-day activities and develop a structured learning approach for my independent learning. I have also taken the opportunity to showcase my leadership skills and take on extra responsibilities to support my team. For example, I would volunteer to cover on-call duties due to staff absences since the smooth running of pharmacy service is vital. Additionally, I have supported the new band 6 starters and Aston students, which was provided with positive feedback from senior pharmacists. Furthermore, as a hospital pharmacist, I routinely complete audits such as handling controlled drugs and the safe and secure handling of medicines (SASHIMs) on my wards. I am passionate about improving our pharmacy services and ensuring cost-effective strategies are implemented. During my geriatric rotation, I realised the ward had more missed doses than usual. I took the initiative to meet with the ward manager to highlight my concerns. I printed off the ward stock list and reminded the staff nurses to check stock before ordering medications. Over time I noticed an improvement in the number of missed doses. I believe working for the UHB trust has offered me the knowledge and experience to thrive in the primary care sector. As a healthcare professional constant evaluation and self-reflection is vital to provide the highest standard of patient care. Throughout my diploma and whilst on wards I would reflect on areas of improvement and look out for opportunities to complete CPD cycles. Recently I have completed my independent Prescribing course (results are pending).Becoming an independent pharmacist prescriber will allow me to provide value and help improve the quality of patients’ life. The knowledge and skills I gained from this course I will be able to participate in the improvement of person-centred care particularly with medicine optimisation.

Masters of pharmacy degree

Clinical Diploma (Post graduate)