Winner H


e has been described as someone who takes delight and pride in both learning and


aiding the learning of others and organised the first health promotion week at the Pharmacy, co-ordinating every element of the week including acquiring the equipment, booking people to attend, creating posters to advertise the event in local shops, the community centre and GP surgeries and on Facebook.


Aaron was a Pre-Registration student with Maghaberry Pharmacy from 2013-14 and is now a regular Locum while completing his PhD. Maghaberry Pharmacy operates in a village where there is no other healthcare provision. The pharmacy is therefore first call for all illness, accidents and healthcare; patient care and customer service are critical to the business.


Above all, Aaron cares for patients. Nothing is too difficult in the science of medications, Aaron is able to deliver complex concepts without condescension in words that make sense and motivate people. Patients have commented on his ability to explain why medication is necessary.


Research has shown that an educated patient, with understanding of both their medical condition and medication regimen is the one most likely to be concordant with therapy, gain most value from the therapy and cost the NHS less than others.


Educating patients and other healthcare professionals is seen as a critical role for pharmacy in the Community and at the heart of Transforming your Care. Aaron's work and dedication to community pharmacy ensures the patient has a good understanding of their medicine, health needs and options. Aaron takes delight and pride in both learning and aiding the learning of others. Aaron's first Pre-Registration Project was to develop and deliver a talk to a looked after child about general healthcare. He and the junior assistant (Laura) worked together to deliver a practical, interesting afternoon on teenage health covering a range of issues including hygiene and personal care. The feedback from the child and carer was exceptionally positive.


Following the success of this first project Aaron was pleased to be invited to the local youth group to chat to the meeting about healthcare. He modified the delivery and engaged with the local youth group, entertaining them all by chewing plaque disclosing tablets and demonstrating good brushing technique. Again feedback was very positive from all participants and was so well received the pharmacy has been asked to provide a health chat for the youth group annually. This


outreach work has ensured that a range of local teenagers are aware of the help and support they can receive from their local pharmacy.


The pharmacy team has developed Aaron's initial work and modified it to deliver to young people in the local primary school with their parents from Primary 1 to Primary 7.


All of this community engagement started from the first session Aaron prepared for the looked after child. Aaron organised the first health promotion week at the pharmacy. He co-ordinated every element of the week including acquiring the equipment, booking people to attend, creating posters to advertise the event in local shops, the community centre and GP surgeries and on Facebook.


The week was very successful with a significant number of people coming to the pharmacy for a health check. The week also served to promote the pharmacy and the role pharmacies have in helping people cope with ill health and maintaining good levels of personal health.


Aaron ensured that the week served many benefits and included a fund raising event "Hug in a Mug" day in which customers were invited to sit and chat in the pharmacy over a cup of tea. The money raised was donated to NICFC (Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children). This was such a success for customers that the


pharmacy team be repeating it for the chosen charity this year


Aaron has also jumped at the chance to ensure that key stakeholders and local residents have access to information on their local pharmacy in a range of ways. He started the pharmacy Facebook page and trained Laura, the youngest member of the team in how to craft a good story, upload pictures as well as how to increase awareness of the services and unique nature of the pharmacy team in Maghaberry. This work continues and when Aaron is working in the pharmacy he and Laura enjoy future scanning for suitable items she might use.


More recently, he started writing articles for the Pharmacy Press. His first article was a reflection on his early days in community, realising that he must be able to discuss a range of very personal problems with a wide range of patients without causing embarrassment. Educating patients and other healthcare professionals is seen as a critical role for pharmacy in the community and at the heart of Transforming your Care and in this Aaron excels.


Aaron has always demonstrated knowledge and care far above basic skills, he is always seeking to expand the role or task he is given. Although now undertaking a full time PhD at university, his enthusiasm for


community pharmacy is undaunted and it is quite apparent in every consultation with the public.


His enthusiasm is infectious and all the Maghaberry team love to hear he is the Locum for the day. Every time he has been at the pharmacy the knowledge of the team has been increased and Aaron's passion for learning and teaching continues unabated.


Accepting his Award he commented, “I am so flattered to be honoured in this way by my peers and colleagues. The Pharmacy in Focus Awards are great at giving such needed exposure to community Pharmacy. I am delighted to be involved.


“I am here tonight with Magheberry Pharmacy, who I am working with whilst also completing my PhD and who have been giving me invaluable leadership and training. I am also enjoying the opportunity to be able to step back and look at Pharmacy more holistically to assess what is happening and what challenges and opportunities there are to improve patient care. It is tremendously positive for the profession to be represented in this way tonight.” n


pharmacyinfocus.co.uk 47


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