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Richard Clements

Medicines Information Pharmacist @ Southern Health & Social Care Trust


Employee Image - Richard Clements

Richard is a Pharmacist working in Craigavon Area Hospital Pharmacy

Hi Richard, Can you tell us how about your job and what you do from day to day

As a Medicines Information Pharmacist I am responsible for providing detailed answers to enquiries from other health professionals on all matters related to medicines – interactions, compatibility, side-effects etc. As an Intensive Care Pharmacist I ensure that drugs are appropriately prescribed by the ICU doctors and doses are suitable for patients with impaired renal/hepatic function etc. As a paediatric pharmacist I ensure that doses for children are appropriate for age and weight and the most suitable form is administered. I also work as a Pharmacist Independent Prescriber in both clinical roles.

What experience/education is required in order to perform this role?

I have trained specifically as a Medicines Information pharmacist completing the UK Medicines Information training course. In addition I completed a Master’s degree in Clinical Pharmacy and a Post-Graduate Certificate in pharmacist prescribing.

What is the biggest challenge in your role?

The biggest challenge is juggling three different roles! Each aspect of my job is completely different and I have to switch from research and information gathering to paediatric pharmacy and doses based on age and weight to intensive care pharmacy with unusual drugs, unusual doses and factors such as renal dysfunction, multiple intravenous drugs to be given simultaneously etc.

What advice would you give to others looking for a job in your field?

Gain as much knowledge and experience as you can. Doing a post-graduate masters or diploma is important and having the Independent Prescriber’s qualification.

What do you like best about your role and working in HSC?

Variety! There is no way I can get bored at my job. I never deal with the same scenario day to day and I learn something new every day!