I am Ewa Piwowarczyk, a Pre-Registration Pharmacist at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth and a recent graduate from the University of Portsmouth.

I joined Victory Internet Pharmacy for two weeks of Cross-Sector Placement in January. I truly enjoyed working as part of the experienced team delivering care to patients in our local community. During my time, I followed the patient’s medication journey from receiving a request via phone call, a dedicated mobile app, e-mail, website, or voicemail all the way through delivery to the patient’s doorstep. In between, I observed an incredible dedication from each member of staff. Every day they ensure the prescription is received from the doctors and the item obtained promptly from the wholesalers. They dedicate their time to ensure the medications are safe, clinically appropriate for their patients and accurately dispensed. I was privileged to work at Victory Internet Pharmacy during the global pandemic. It provided me with valuable exposure to the needs of most vulnerable and isolated patients in our community. Many of them rely daily on a fast and efficient delivery service provided by wonderful drivers who might be the only people they may have regularly seen during these unprecedented times. They develop a rapport with new and existing patients every day and reach out to them in these uncertain times. The drivers often flag up any concerns about patient health and well-being that the pharmacy team can deal with and provide much-needed help and reassurance.

As a Pre-Registration Pharmacist, I worked closely with the Pharmacists, Dispensers, Accuracy Checking Technician, and talented trainees. This invaluable experience exposed me to current developments within the Community Pharmacy sector, recognise collaborative working opportunities and strengthen my background knowledge within this area of practice.