Folkestone, England, United Kingdom
Oncology and haematology pharmacist specialising in cancer clinical trials, leading the pharmacy function for feasibility, protocol review, site set-up and ongoing delivery of complex studies across a large NHS cancer service. Day-to-day work centres on making advanced therapies accessible and safe in real clinical pathways, through close collaboration with investigators, research nurses and multidisciplinary teams — including negotiating protocol adaptations with sponsors to align study requirements with NHS operational realities. Scientific communication and education run throughout the work. This includes original research presented at national conferences, redesigning postgraduate pharmacology teaching for trainee prescribers, and invited speaking engagements at the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore and the Ordem dos Farmacêuticos in Lisbon. Most recently, invited as a clinical educator for a pharma-sponsored oncology education event, presenting to consultants and specialist pharmacists on a new oncology drug trial. Experience extends across multiple NHS settings, including leading pharmacy services for a frailty virtual ward and establishing a primary care network pharmacy team covering around 80,000 patients. Board-level involvement with national pharmacy organisations, including work towards the formation of the new Royal College of Pharmacy, has provided exposure to governance, policy and professional standards at a national level. As Chair of BOPA's Digital Subcommittee and an executive committee member, there is ongoing engagement with how digital innovation is shaping oncology pharmacy practice and evidence generation.
Lead pharmacist for the cancer clinical trials function within a wider oncology and haematology pharmacy team at a large NHS teaching trust, with direct line management of one pharmacist and supervisory responsibility for five junior staff across the broader team. Responsible for the full trial lifecycle from feasibility assessment and protocol review through site set-up and ongoing study delivery, working closely with investigators, research nurses and sponsor representatives to operationalise complex protocols within local capabilities. This includes negotiating protocol adaptations where necessary to align sponsor requirements with NHS operational constraints — a process that requires a practical understanding of both clinical and industry priorities. Provides advanced clinical advice on complex oncology and haematology cases, with responsibility for long-term management and prescribing of systemic anticancer therapy and supportive medicines, including management of toxicities and direct patient counselling on treatment risks, benefits and monitoring. Used service and performance data to streamline pharmacy processes for trials, reducing review and set-up time and increasing studies opened annually from 13 to 24, expanding patient access to innovative therapies and boosting commercial trial income. Contributes to education on cancer medicines and research for pharmacy, nursing and medical colleagues, including case-based discussions and sessions on new treatment modalities. Has participated as a clinical expert in oncology advisory boards for two pharmaceutical companies and served as an invited clinical educator at a pharma-sponsored oncology education event. Currently leading pharmacy clinical input into a Kent and Medway regional ePrescribing procurement covering four acute NHS trusts serving approximately 1.8 million patients, representing the pharmacy perspective at programme board level through bid assessment and system evaluation.
Co-Chair of the Digital Subcommittee for the British Oncology Pharmacy Association, providing leadership for BOPA’s digital presence and member engagement across online platforms. Work with the Executive Committee, oncology pharmacists and wider stakeholders to plan and deliver digital content that supports evidence‑based cancer pharmacy practice, including news updates, educational materials and resources aligned with BOPA guidance. Oversee governance and processes for digital communications to ensure accuracy, consistency of messaging and appropriate use of social and web channels, while monitoring analytics and member feedback to refine content and improve reach.
Developed and delivered redesigned pharmacology teaching for trainee prescribers, integrating current evidence and case‑based learning. Feedback rated sessions as good or very good from all attendees.
Led the pharmacy service for a frailty virtual ward providing ‘hospital at home’ care, working with geriatricians, ACPs, nurses and community teams to embed safe prescribing and monitoring in the home environment. Developed prescribing guidelines, local formularies and PGDs to support consistent practice, reduce variation and manage clinical risk when delivering acute care outside hospital. Used prescribing data and outcomes to refine pathways, reduce avoidable hospital admissions and strengthen antimicrobial stewardship, including achieving a marked reduction in inappropriate broad‑spectrum antibiotic use. Delivered targeted education for prescribers and wider MDT colleagues to support uptake of new pathways and ensure alignment with national guidance and local governance.
Elected member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s English Pharmacy Board (2021–2024), contributing to the development of policy and professional standards for pharmacists in England. In the role of Treasurer and Board (Assembly) Member, provided strategic oversight of the Society’s finances and investments, chaired the Finance and Investment Committee and worked with the executive team to ensure robust governance for both financial and operational decisions. The position is comparable to a non‑executive director role, combining constructive challenge with support for the delivery of organisational strategy and playing a leading part in the governance reforms that will underpin the future Royal College of Pharmacy.