FACES OF PHARMACY
TWO DECADES OF DEDICATION
With 20 years of service in both the dispensary and front-of-shop at Greyabbey Pharmacy, Northern Pharmacies Ltd, Jacqui McDowell has become a familiar and trusted face in the local community. We sat down with Jacqui to hear about her career.
Q: Jacqui, congratulations! Looking back on the 20 years, has it gone in quickly?
Thank you! Yes, it has absolutely flown by. I started in April 2005 and I can't believe it's been 20 years. My goodness – it has been brilliant!
Q: What made you decide on a role in pharmacy?
I think I've always been fascinated by Pharmacies. Even if I go on holiday, I love to find out how Pharmacies in other countries work so I am always popping in to them wherever I go.
Q: What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen over the years?
There is a lot more responsibility put on the pharmacist now – they have to manage a much larger workload. Greyabbey no longer has a GP surgery, so we find that many patients now come into the pharmacy instead. Some of our
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It’s given me a good understanding of how everything connects. In the dispensary, it's all about precision and care - making sure every detail is right. On the shop floor, it’s about people: listening, advising, even just being a friendly face. It’s rewarding to be able to do both. Whether someone needs a prescription or just has a question for themselves or on behalf of a relative, I’m here to help.
Q: What do you find hard about your role?
It's always sad when you lose a patient, especially if you have got to know them over a certain length
If you can go home at the end of the day and know that you’ve helped someone… That’s what makes a career in pharmacy really special.
customers don’t have access to transport, so we collect the scripts and sometimes deliver their medicine to them. We are a lifeline for them.
Q: You’ve worked in both the dispensary and front-of-shop. How has the balance of those roles shaped your experience?
of time. Greyabbey is very close-knit, and the patients are an extended family in a way.
That's the sad side of pharmacy, sometimes seeing the decline in people over a long time.
You build a relationship with them as well, and then, they're no longer here. It’s heartbreaking in many cases. That’s the hard part.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give to someone starting their career in Community Pharmacy?
Just enjoy the job! It is such a worthwhile role – yes, some days you feel like you are ‘chasing your tail’ but it has so many rewarding aspects.
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S BEEN 20 YEARS. MY GOODNESS – IT HAS BEEN BRILLIANT!
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