World Pharmacists Day is observed on 25 September each year to recognise Pharmacists for the role they play in improving global health. In 2025, the theme is “ Think Health, Think Pharmacists ”.
Pharmacists serve as integral partners of healthcare systems, playing a vital role in meeting health needs by:
To mark the day, Chief Pharmacist, Steve Cook has shared a message of thanks for all Team NWAngliaFT Pharmacists:
"Today is World Pharmacist Day and this year’s theme is “Think Health, Think Pharmacist” as announced by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the global body for pharmacy. Highlighting to everybody the vital role Pharmacists play in a patients care.
"On this day, I want to extend my gratitude and appreciation to each and every one of our Team NWAngliaFT Pharmacists. Your dedication, expertise, and compassion are at the heart of the exceptional work you do.
"In a world that continues to face complex healthcare challenges, your role has never been more vital. Whether you’re ensuring the safe and effective use of medications, providing valuable patient advice, prescribing, providing education and training, supporting the clinicians and clinical teams across the Trust and much more…..you make an incredible difference each day. Your commitment to patient safety and the advancing the role of pharmacy in our trust does not go unnoticed.
"Thank you for your unwavering dedication and the positive impact you have on the lives of patients and colleagues alike."
You can also meet two of our very own Team NWAngliaFT Pharmacists below, who have highlighted why they love their roles as Pharmacists:
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Mohammad Ibrahim, Cancer Services Pharmacist
"As a cancer services pharmacist, I find immense fulfilment in supporting both patients and colleagues in ways that truly make a difference. One of the most enjoyable aspects of my role is the educational component—mentoring rotational pharmacists through the British Oncology Pharmacy Association (BOPA) training programme. Watching their confidence and clinical skills develop is incredibly rewarding, especially during those “light bulb” moments when complex oncology concepts suddenly make sense and are applied in practice. Contributing to their growth and helping shape the next generation of pharmacists, to better patient outcomes is a source of great pride for me.
"My role also has a significant patient-facing element, particularly when counselling individuals starting systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT). This is often a daunting and emotional time for patients, and I strive to build trust and rapport so I can offer not only clinical guidance but also emotional reassurance. Supporting patients to feel informed, empowered, and cared for can profoundly impact their treatment journey and overall wellbeing.
"Beyond direct patient care, I am involved in ensuring timely access to new, effective cancer medicines. As new therapies are approved by NICE, I help develop and implement treatment protocols that reflect the latest evidence-based guidelines. This ensures our service can offer patients innovative treatments safely and efficiently, ultimately improving outcomes and advancing standards of care within the trust.
"Pharmacy is a dynamic and rewarding profession, offering a wide range of specialisations and continuous opportunities for learning and growth. If you’re passionate about making a difference, especially in cancer care, I wholeheartedly encourage you to consider specialising as a Cancer Services Pharmacist."
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Alexandra Bogdan, Specialist Rotational Pharmacist
'This World Pharmacists Day, I'm proud to reflect on my role as a Specialist Rotational Pharmacist working across North West Anglia Foundation Trust - where no two days are ever the same.
In my role, I rotate through a variety of clinical areas, supporting patient care on medical, surgical and specialist wards. I work side by side with pharmacy technicians and support workers to collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe, effective, and personalised medication use for every patient. Whether reviewing prescriptions for interactions, counselling patients on new therapies, or supporting antimicrobial stewardship, my role is pivotal in optimising treatment outcomes. I also contribute to discharge planning, helping reduce readmissions and ensuring continuity of care—especially for patients with complex needs or polypharmacy.
A particularly meaningful part of my work is at Thorpe Hall hospice, where I support the palliative care team to provide safe, compassionate medication management for patients nearing the end of life. I feel that at Thorpe Hall, the role of the specialist pharmacist goes far beyond medication supply - it`s about dignity, comfort and personalised care at the most critical time in a patient`s life. Working closely with the palliative care team, I ensure that every medicine prescribed is tailored to the patient`s needs, balancing symptom relief with quality of life, bringing clinical excellence with a deeply human touch.
Being a pharmacist in this Trust means being a part of a multidisciplinary effort that puts patients first. I`m grateful to contribute to that journey every day - on the wards, in the hospice, and beyond.'
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