Say hello to Farah, a Specialist Palliative Care Pharmacist. Farah's role is split across working for Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, as well as being based at Bolton Hospice for 3 days a week.

"In my role I essentially make sure patients receive their medications as and when they need them. I support medicines reconciliation to ensure the right medication is administered to the right person at the right dose, via the right route, at the right time. I am involved in medicines optimisation so that patients receive evidence based, safe, cost effective medicines within a limited budget. This enables maximal health gain whilst ensuring the safe and secure handling of medicines.

I provide advice to the nursing and medical teams regarding all aspects of medicines including indications, dose, routes, formulation, side effects and interactions. I also write and update guidelines and policies, carry out audits and provide teaching sessions for the staff. I am strengthening antimicrobial stewardship here at the hospice by promoting and monitoring the safe use of antimicrobials to preserve their future effectiveness.

I have a passion for palliative care after witnessing the amazing care given to my Grandad during his last days of life and will never forget the kindness shown to myself and my family during that time. My role changed at the beginning of the year when my hospice hours increased and I am now based predominantly here rather than at the hospital. I’m delighted that my role is now full dedicated to palliative care. The whole team are amazing and it’s such a happy place to work. My office buddy is brilliant. She is the patient liaison nurse so it’s useful for me to find out when and where patients are being admitted from and discharged to. In return I can assist her in any medication queries she receives on the advice line. 

Getting feedback from patients and relatives about how we’ve made them feel better or how we helped them to have a good death gives such fantastic job satisfaction. I always used to be envious of people who enjoyed their jobs but now I can say that I am one of those people and I love coming to work!"