The Ulster Chemists’ Association host an entertaining and informative day for those newly qualified pharmacists with a few questions about life post-registration.

After 12 short months of practical pharmacy experience, getting involved with services and patient consultation, burning the midnight oil with revision and completing a portfolio, around fifty pre-registration trainees temporarily set aside thoughts of the examination results to spend a Saturday at the Radisson Hotel, Belfast.

Virginia Mead-Herbert, head of sales and marketing at the NPA had some key tips for job-hunting within pharmacy. “Why not consider playing the mystery shopper in advance of going to the interview?” Virginia said. “You’ll get a great idea of which services they offer and how they are promoted. Take the opportunity to think about what you could offer to their health promotions and how you could be pioneering in different areas.”

Paul Coleman, insurance director at the NPA presented on what can be done when things go wrong, if the right precautions have been made. “For pre-registration trainees, the NPA offers free indemnity insurance,” Paul said. “But for when you qualify, it is very important to take out the appropriate policy, whether you work in community, hospital or you are a locum.”

Joe Joyce from the Pharmaceutical and General Provident Society also discussed insurance, specifically income protection. “PG is a mutual insurance provider, which provides a tax free income for those who are signed off work through illness for example,” Joe explained. “We are also a not for profit organisation which offers a savings programme for our members, which is not affected by any claims you may make.”

James McAvoy, independent financial advisor from First Trust explored some key money matters of interest to new pharmacists. He gave general information about how First Trust can help people handle their personal finances, investments and pensions over their life-time, even mentioning inheritance tax planning, and the need for adequate income protection.

Locum pharmacist and former contractor Iain McKay, who has a wealth of experience within pharmacy and described it as “the greatest calling known to mankind”, had some advice for those considering locum work. “Never take anything for granted within a pharmacy,” he said. “One contractor may have introduced some excellent procedures in their pharmacy for locums but next week you may be in a totally different environment which is not as straightforward.

“Always take time to examine each pharmacy’s standard operating procedures. When you first approach a contractor to discuss a locum opportunity, never underestimate how they will form an opinion of you. Will you get on with their staff and patients? Finally, please do register with the UCA’s locum list, always remember your certificate of registration, which you must take with you to every locum appointment. And always remember to leave the keys to the safe behind you when you leave!”