On October 9, seven pharmacists from primary care practices across Luton, Bedfordshire, and London gathered for the first time.
Senior Trust leaders joined, including Irfaan Ibne, Associate Director of Primary Care; Emily Van De Pol, Director of Primary Care; Eileen Bryant, Director of Nursing; and Stuart Banham, Chief Pharmacist.
The event provided a platform to reflect on achievements, tackle challenges, and enhance the Trust's primary care pharmacy services across the region.
Sessions focused on improving incident reporting, boosting collaboration, and integrating primary care pharmacy within the Trust. The team discussed their current state, future goals, and growth opportunities in a complex healthcare system.
Key accomplishments included completing the cardiovascular disease (CVD) project in Bedford, advancing chronic kidney disease (CKD) initiatives, establishing a dedicated pharmacy team, fostering a safe workplace, and improving blood pathology services.
The day fostered discussions on team structure and leadership, ensuring all voices were heard on how to drive change.
"We are all leaders in the room, and this event gives us the opportunity to grow together and learn from one another," said Irfaan Ibne.
The away day enabled primary care pharmacists to share insights, strengthen relationships, and left the team energised and committed to improving services.
"Despite primary care being a distinct service, this away day was invaluable for starting to collaborate more as a Trust," noted Stuart Banham.
"I need your help as key service providers to push this integration forward. Together, we can create a seamless service that benefits both staff and patients."