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Making her mark

Recognition of Excellence 2016 bookmark icon off

Making her mark

Gemma Richardson left school after her A-levels, clueless about what she wanted to do next, but after two years in pharmacy, she’s providing award-winning care

In just two short years, Gemma Richardson is making her mark at Avicenna Pharmacy on The Green in Luton, Bedfordshire, having already completed her medicines counter assistant and dispensing assistant qualifications, as well as becoming the branch’s only stop smoking advisor. Such achievements, plus passion, led to her receiving a Highly Commended in the Rising Star category, sponsored by Infirst Healthcare.

Gemma is hard pushed to say which aspect of her job she enjoys the most. She finds providing a quit service hugely rewarding, but also says that the interventions she is able to make when on the counter are of equal significance. An example of the latter was a gentleman who asked for a cough medicine but who she referred and was subsequently prescribed steroids and an inhaler, which he said made a significant difference to his quality of life.

Her dispensary work is also of importance, and she enjoys turning difficult situations into opportunities to provide excellent care to her patients. A case in point was a woman with cystic fibrosis who was at a loss when her usual medication was discontinued, says Gemma. By working with her pharmacist and getting in touch with the prescriber, she was able to find an alternative, for which the customer was incredibly grateful. Gemma also visits care homes to perform health checks and is instrumental in events run by the pharmacy that benefit the community and raise money for local charities.

Gemma says: “I am really enjoying my time at the pharmacy. It has helped me expand on my knowledge and love of science through training and means I am able to provide great customer service to all who walk in our door.”

 

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Recognition of Excellence 2016

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