A PHARMACIST from Thornbury has been praised for her outstanding services and become a national competition finalist.


Jane Smith, 59, a medication safety officer and principal pharmacist at Southmead Hospital, has been selected as a regional finalist in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s ‘I Love My Pharmacist’ competition.


Mrs Smith, who has worked at the hospital for over 27 years, has been recognised alongside 17 other finalists for being a star-performing pharmacist by providing an outstanding service to the local community.


She has been shortlisted in recognition of her team’s contribution to implementing and improving the process of medicines reconciliation.


She said it was a real honour to be selected as a finalist for Southern England.


“I found out in August and it was a very nice surprise,” she said.


“It is a real honour to be selected in the I Love My Pharmacist competition and to know our project had a positive impact on our patients’ health and well-being.


“We have all worked really hard so it’s nice to be acknowledged for what the work has done for people.”


Mrs Smith, who lives in Thornbury with her husband Peter, 59, and son Jamie 22, led a project which aimed to ensure at least 95 per cent of patients had a medicines reconciliation review within 24 hours of admission to hospital.

 
The impact that this has on patients can save lives, as for example, one patient was prescribed medication to reduce blood pressure, but when the medicines reconciliation took place the team discovered the dose was too high, so it was amended.


Neal Patel, pharmacist and head of corporate communications at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said: “Pharmacists are an integral part of every local health service. Having access to expert, personalised advice on their doorstep is invaluable; pharmacists also support patients in settings including hospitals and GP practices.


“Jane has demonstrated a high level of personalised care and commitment to serving her area and the panel are delighted that she has been nominated as a regional finalist for Southern England.”


Finalists in the competition have been voted for by the public and the judging panel will now choose the regional and national winners.


The regional winner will be announced on October 13 and the national winner on November 3.