Life as a locum hospital pharmacist is dynamic and multifaceted, with each day presenting unique challenges and opportunities. Hannah Awan, a dedicated locum band 6 clinical pharmacist at Medacs Healthcare, offers a glimpse into the daily routine of a hospital pharmacist and sheds light on the various aspects of the role.

Morning Arrival and Ward Handover

Each day begins with a ward handover, where Hannah reviews a list of patients currently admitted. This involves assessing new admissions, understanding their reasons for hospitalization, and reviewing their medical history, including previous medications and any allergies. Establishing a comprehensive drug history is crucial, especially when patients are unable to provide full details themselves, such as the elderly or those with dementia. In these cases, Hannah might consult the patient's previous pharmacy or contact their next of kin.

Drug Chart Review

Hannah meticulously examines drug charts to ensure that all medications prescribed before admission are accurately recorded. Special attention is given to high-risk medications, such as those for Parkinson’s disease, to confirm that none have been omitted. If discrepancies are found, she must communicate with the medical team to determine whether omissions were intentional or accidental, and make necessary corrections.

Clinical Screening

Clinical screening is a critical aspect of Hannah's role. She uses the Integrated Clinical Environment (ICE) system to review patients' blood tests and other diagnostic results. This enables her to assess liver and kidney function and determine if any adjustments to medication are needed. Hannah's expertise allows her to suggest appropriate medications, dosages, or alternatives based on the patient’s condition and needs, including advising on medication forms suitable for patients with enteral tubes.

Medicine Stock Management

In the morning, Hannah also ensures that the ward’s medication stock is adequately supplied. If medications are missing or need to be replenished, she places orders to prevent delays in patient treatment. Timely supply of medicines is crucial to avoid missed doses and ensure uninterrupted patient care.

Discharge Preparation

Before discharging a patient, Hannah reviews any changes to their medication regimen. This involves updating blister packs and communicating changes to the patient's community pharmacy to ensure continuity of care. Proper discharge planning is vital for smooth transitions from hospital to home, and Hannah ensures that all necessary medications are provided and that the community pharmacy is informed of any updates.

Discharge Coordination

In the afternoon, Hannah manages discharges for two wards. This involves checking discharge summaries against drug charts to confirm accuracy and ensuring that all required medications are dispensed before the patient leaves. She also updates the GP with any changes to the patient’s medication and outlines any additional monitoring needs. Given NHS bed pressures, discharges must be managed efficiently to accommodate new admissions.

Patient Counselling

Patient counselling is a key part of Hannah's role. She provides patients with information on any new medications or changes to their existing regimen. For instance, if a new inhaler is prescribed, she ensures that the patient understands how to use it correctly. This step is essential for optimizing medication use and improving patient outcomes.

A Varied Role

Hannah notes that while this description covers a typical day, the role of a locum hospital pharmacist can vary significantly based on rotation. Pharmacists might work in different areas such as dispensary or medicine management, each offering unique experiences and learning opportunities. The role is diverse, with each rotation bringing its own set of responsibilities and challenges.

In summary, life as a locum hospital pharmacist involves a blend of clinical duties, medication management, patient care, and teamwork. The role is both challenging and rewarding, offering opportunities to make a significant impact on patient health and well-being.

Courtesy: Hannah Awan