Community Pharmacist

Also known as:

Chemist, Retail
Retail Pharmacist
Pharmacist, Retail

Introduction

The majority of pharmacists work in community pharmacy. Community pharmacists supply and sell medicine and related products to the general public and medical practitioners. They often manage a shop selling a wide range of pharmaceutical and other products. They make up particular medicines to prescription, and advise the public on medicines to treat minor illnesses.

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Work Activities

Pharmacy is an applied science concerned with the chemistry and action of drugs, and their preparation and production for use in medicine.

Central to pharmacy work is the science of 'formulation'. In this process a drug is combined with other substances in a suitable preparation, such as ointment, tablet, injection or liquid, for its use as a medicine. The formulation and dispensing of medicines both require detailed understanding of the action of drugs and medicines on the body.

Community pharmacists supply prescribed and over-the-counter medicines to the general public in a retail pharmacy (such as a local or high street chemist). They may give advice to customers on the safe use of medicines and their possible side effects. They also advice on the treatment of minor ailments, such as colds or sore throats, and sometimes refer cases to the doctor.

Regulations to allow supplementary prescribing by specially trained pharmacists came into effect in Scotland in May 2006. After a doctor or dentist has carried out diagnosis of a patient, a Clinical Management Plan (CMP) can be drawn up. Following this, the supplementary prescriber (the pharmacist) can supply and regulate and if necessary alter the dosage of medication.

Most medicines are supplied ready-made by the manufacturer. However, some may need to be made up in the pharmacy, for example, when a particular strength dosage is wanted, or for very small quantities of potentially dangerous substances.

In most cases, pharmacy technicians (often known as dispensing technicians) carry out the routine work. They are supervised by the pharmacist, who checks that the dosages are right and that labels show the correct information.

Community pharmacists use computers for stock control and for producing labels. Some have computerised databases that can hold information on regular customers' health and medicine records. Increasingly, community pharmacists are offering basic health checks, such as blood pressure monitoring, on their premises. Some also serve residential homes by regularly dispensing prescriptions and advising staff.

Community pharmacists usually stock a wide range of other goods, such as perfumes, cosmetics, hair care products, baby care products and photographic materials. In rural areas, the pharmacy may also sell agricultural, horticultural and veterinary products.

The community pharmacist is therefore involved in the wider role of retail management. This includes supervising and training sales assistants to give an efficient service to the public, marketing goods, keeping records of stock, ordering new goods and maintaining accounts.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

At times, if there is a query or problem, pharmacists may have to liaise with the prescribing general practitioner. You will need tact and discretion for this.

Your interpersonal and communication skills are also important for doing the work of a pharmacist.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for community pharmacists vary depending on whether they are employed or self-employed.

National Health Service (NHS) employees are paid on a rising scale within defined pay bands, according to their skills and responsibilities.

Entry level pharmacists in the NHS start on Band 5 of the Agenda for Change pay scales. From April 1, 2008 this has been £20,225 - £26,123 a year. After registration pharmacists are on Band 6, £24,103 - £32,653. Pharmacist specialists are on Band 8a which is £37,106 - £44,527.

At the highest levels, NHS pharmacist managers and consultants can earn up to £93,098 a year, depending on responsibilities.

In private practice a pharmacist with a few years experience can earn in the range of £27,000 - £36,000 a year. Self-employed pharmacists' earnings vary depending on the size and success of the business.

Community pharmacists usually work a 39-hour week, which may include evening/weekend work on a rota basis.

Apart from owning and running high street shops and rural pharmacies, community pharmacists might be employed in places like supermarket pharmacy counters, health centres and GPs' clinics.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter an accredited degree in pharmacy, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course, eg, Access to Science. You don't usually need any qualifications to start an Access course, although you should check this with course providers.

Candidates can apply for funding from relevant medical charities and trusts.

• 15% of people in occupations such as community pharmacist are self-employed.
• 29% work part-time.
• 7% have flexible hours.
• 11% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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