'Within pharmacy, women are flying the flag' - Faye shares her story for International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2021
Thursday 11 February 2021 marks International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and here at UHDB, we are celebrating by showcasing some of the amazing work that members of #TeamUHDB are conducting in their fields of science and research.
The international event aims to raise the profile and awareness of the roles women can and do play in science around the world. UNESCO estimates that around globally, less than 30 per cent of researchers are women and only around 30 per cent of all female students select Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related fields in higher education.
We have spoken to Faye Prescott, Dispensing and Ward Services Manager in the Pharmacy team at Queen’s Hospital Burton, to find out more about what attracted her to a career in science.
Faye’s journey in Pharmacy began by taking up a role at Boots, “I didn’t want to go to university so my career wasn’t laid out clearly in front of me. I had a Saturday job at Boots, so when I finished my A Levels I started picking up extra shifts there. I was initially selling over-the-counter medication before eventually moving in to the dispensary”. This is where her interest in medicine and science and ultimately a career in pharmacy started.
So in September 2000 Faye decided to take it to the next step and formalise her training. Faye applied to join the team at Queen’s Hospital Burton as a student pharmacy technician and hasn’t looked back since.
She said: “I have worked alongside some great people in a wonderful team over the years, which guided me along a career path to my current position”.
“We provide a vital service to our patients, making sure their medications are available, safe and correct. I’m proud of the part we play in providing patient care, maintaining patient safety and of how as a team we fit in and interact with the wider Trust.”
Faye’s current role as Dispensing and Ward Services Manager sees her providing oversight to the Pharmacy Technicians and support staff, supporting the delivery of the Pharmacy services across Queens, Samuel Johnson and Sir Robert Peel Hospitals.
A career in science is more than being a doctor, scientist or nurse – there’s so much to be explored. She said: “Within pharmacy, women are already flying the flag; the majority of my current team are female”. Faye is proud to be helping other women in the field to reach their potential.
“Within the Pharmacy structure there are many job roles including assistants, clerical staff, technicians and pharmacists. The roles are pieces in a puzzle; one wouldn’t function without the other. All roles vary in the level of qualification that is required by the post holder. There really is scope for everyone to make a career working in pharmacy, there are some fantastic opportunities”.
“I would encourage women to be aware of what opportunities are available to them within STEM professions, and to consider roles within Pharmacy.”