Celebrating World Pharmacists Day 2025 at UHDB
Today, on World Pharmacists Day >, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) celebrate the invaluable contributions of our pharmacy teams. This year’s theme highlights the vital role pharmacists play in improving patient care, safety, and outcomes — and at UHDB, that impact is felt every single day.
Pharmacists play a key role in our multidisciplinary teams, ensuring medicines are used safely and effectively, supporting clinical decision-making, and empowering patients through education and personalised care. From ward-based clinical interventions to specialist services and medicines optimisation, their expertise is essential to delivering high-quality care.
To mark the occasion, three of our dedicated pharmacy colleagues have shared insights into their roles, what inspires them, and how their work makes a difference Their stories reflect the diversity, dedication, and compassion that define pharmacy at UHDB.
We thank all our pharmacists and pharmacy support staff for their continued commitment to excellence in patient care. Your work truly makes a difference.
Dayana El Nsouli - Advanced Pharmacist for Acute Medicine
Why I became a pharmacist
I became a pharmacist because I wanted a career that combined science, clinical reasoning, and direct patient care. The hospital setting especially appealed to me because of the opportunity to work closely with multidisciplinary teams to manage complex acute conditions and make real-time decisions that directly improve patients’ health.
What I love about my role
What I love most about my role is the variety and the ability to apply so many different skills in one day. Working in acute medicine means no two days are the same — the fast-paced environment, rapid decision-making, and clinical complexity make the work both challenging and rewarding. In addition to supporting the MDT with prescribing decisions, I mentor colleagues, contribute to education, and lead impactful research and quality improvement projects that have influenced clinical guidelines, improved cost-effectiveness, reduced inpatient stay, and enhanced system efficiencies.
My views on the role of pharmacy in improving quality and safety
Pharmacy plays a vital role in improving quality and safety, through safe prescribing, medicines optimisation, and contributing to education, research, and audit. But our role goes far beyond individual patient interventions. We’re uniquely positioned to bridge gaps between clinical teams, identify system-level inefficiencies, and drive meaningful change across pathways of care. Pharmacists often have a broad view of the patient journey, including both pre and post-admission, which allows us to spot where improvements can be made — whether it’s reducing unnecessary variation, improving formulary adherence, or preventing medicine-related harm. When pharmacy is embedded into clinical decision-making, outcomes improve, and that’s something I’m proud to be part of.
Tiffany Feather - Advanced Pharmacist Diabetes and Endocrinology
Why I became a pharmacist
Growing up I had no idea what Pharmacists did, I certainly didn't know about hospital pharmacy! I did well at school, I enjoyed science, and I knew I wanted a job where I could help people. A girl in college mentioned that she was applying for pharmacy at university. I googled it out of curiosity, and it sounded like a good fit for me. I am so grateful I was there for that conversation
What I love about my role
I love my role as the Diabetes and Endocrine pharmacist and an independent prescriber. I learn new things every day. The clinical conditions I see are complex and varied and patient focused care is paramount. I am lucky to be part of a fantastic Endocrine team that cares deeply about quality care, patient wellbeing, and each other. Improving quality and safety for patients is a significant part of my role.
My views on the role of pharmacy in improving quality and safety
I think pharmacists' biggest strength is our balance of practical and clinical knowledge and ability to translate it for any audience. We add a new lens through which to evaluate patient care, and we can identify opportunities for improvement that others might not see. I work with colleagues at UHDB and across the midlands to deliver education, write guidelines, and complete quality and safety improvement projects that make a measurable difference to patients.
Pharmacy roles are ever expanding, and I can't wait to see where my career takes me!
Louise Organista - Advanced Pharmacist - Frail Elderly Assessment Team
Why I became a pharmacist
I've always loved science, and believed that one day I would work in a lab following a summer placement in the School of Pharmacy at Queen's University Belfast. I didn't know what I wanted to study, but knew that a degree in pharmacy could open many doors. At that stage I didn't think a patient-facing job was for me- I was very shy before university- but with part time work in a local chemist and moving out for Uni, my confidence increased and I soon realised I would enjoy serving others in the healthcare environment. It did take me quite a few years to find a speciality I really love and I feel that I have really found my place in the profession.
What I love about my role
There are two things that I truly love about my role as a pharmacist: being able to spend time with patients and feel like I'm able to make a difference to enhance their care, and working in an MDT. Pharmacists have extensive training on medicines and it's rewarding to be able to put that clinical knowledge into practice by solving problems, answering queries and optimising medication regimes as much as possible. We could not do this without the support of colleagues: in my role within a frailty team, each member brings their skillset into formulating a holistic care plan for the patient and we work together to achieve that. It is also wonderful to be trusted for pharmaceutical advice- I believe pharmacists are highly respected clinicians and we have a role to play in every MDT!
My views on the role of pharmacy in improving quality and safety for our patients
Pharmacists do more than just "check prescriptions" or "do TTOs"- however that can be a busy part of the job! Pharmacists are involved in everything from clinical trials of new and exciting medicines and service innovation in healthcare, in preventing drug errors which have the potential to cause harm and in optimising medicines to prevent drug-related adverse effects to patients. The procurement, storage, provision and follow-up support of medicines all have pharmacist input, and we are an approachable member of the MDT for medication-related advice to guide safe, effective prescribing for patients.
Joshua Dhamrait - Advanced Pharmacist Critical Care
Why I became a pharmacist
I chose to become a pharmacist because I have always been passionate about improving patient care through evidence-based practice and clinical innovation. Pharmacy offered the perfect balance of science, patient interaction and multidisciplinary collaboration. Over time, I found my passion in critical care, where the complexity and urgency of decisions allow pharmacists to make a real difference in patient outcomes. Supporting the recovery of the most critically unwell patients is both a privilege and a responsibility I take seriously.
What I love about my role
#As an Advanced Pharmacist in Critical Care and Theatres at UHDB, I am proud to work in one of the most dynamic and high-impact areas of clinical pharmacy. My role allows me to contribute directly to patient care through strategic clinical interventions, guideline development, and face-to-face collaboration with the MDT. As a member of the Pharmacy Critical Care team, we attend daily consultant-led ward rounds, support prescribing decisions, and help optimise therapy for patients requiring complex pharmacological support.
The role of pharmacy in improving quality and safety for our patients
Pharmacy is central to patient safety in critical care, where timely and accurate medication decisions can significantly impact outcomes. At UHDB, critical care pharmacists are embedded within the multidisciplinary team and play an active role in daily consultant-led ward rounds. This allows us to provide real-time clinical input, optimise complex pharmacotherapy, and ensure evidence-based prescribing for some of the most critically unwell patients. Our interventions include dose optimisation, renal and hepatic adjustments, antimicrobial stewardship, and management of high-risk therapies such as vasopressors, sedation, and anticoagulation. These contributions help prevent medication errors, improve therapeutic outcomes, and ensure safe transitions of care. In addition, we support MDT workforce development through pharmacokinetics and pharmacotherapy training, fostering a culture of continuous learning and safe practice.
Beyond direct clinical care, we lead on operational and governance initiatives that underpin medication safety. This includes developing ICU-specific guidelines, monographs, and policies to standardise prescribing practices and reduce variability, particularly out of hours. Our work also encompasses quality improvement and audit. For example, a recent review of stress ulcer prophylaxis in ICU improved adherence to NICE guidance, reduced unnecessary IV therapy, and delivered cost savings.