A day in the life of a prison pharmacy technician: Nandani
Nandani is a Pharmacy Technician at HMP Hewell and she values the development opportunities the work brings, as well as the friendship and support of working in a close team.
Nandani has been a pharmacy technician at HMP Hewell since 2020. With a passion for learning and making a difference in her patients’ life, Nandani values the challenges and variety her role brings, as well as the teamwork and collaboration. For her no two days are ever the same.
Starting out in pharmacy
After completing her A-levels, Nandani began her pharmacy career in a community pharmacy while training for her qualification one day a week at a local college. Though she enjoyed her work, she soon realised she wanted more. So, when she came across an advert for a Pharmacy Technician role in prison, she applied.
“I knew I needed more of a challenge – more development opportunities to ensure I could become the best technician I could be – and this job certainly gives me all the variety I need to keep learning and growing,” says Nandani.
Starting the day: Patient care at the medication hatch
Twice a day, Nandani oversees the medication hatch, where patients collect their prescribed medication. This routine task is far more than just dispensing pills. For many patients who are mentally or physically vulnerable, this is a crucial point of contact.
She shares: “It’s a fascinating job and full of variety, which makes you more adaptable and flexible. As well as dispensing medication, we take a detailed medical history from each new prisoner. This ensures that they receive the same continuity of care as they would in the community.”
Nandani and her team work relentlessly to ensure that the patients get the best possible care.
Behind the scenes: Ensuring stock and specialist care
Managing stock is another important part of Nandani’s role. Ordering specialist medications, ensuring stock levels are up-to-date, and anticipating patient needs are all her responsibilities.
“Because we’re consistently present, patients know where to find us and often ask questions about their medications. This role is all about being approachable and supportive,” Nandani explains.
Opportunities for development
Working in the prison has helped Nandani grow both professionally and personally: “I am so much more confident now than I was two years ago. I have really grown in the role and still I am continually learning about new medications and medical conditions I have not seen before.”
Nandani’s career progression has been supported by additional training opportunities as well. Since joining the team, she has undergone Health in Justice training at Staffordshire University and collaborates regularly with the GP about medical and work-related issues. These opportunities for learning and development have helped her become a more well-rounded pharmacy technician.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment,” she says.
A rewarding role in healthcare
For Nandani, being a pharmacy technician at HMP Hewell is not just a job. It’s a role that challenges her, helps her grow, and allows her to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
“It is a fascinating job and full of variety, which makes you more adaptable and flexible. Added to all the learning opportunities, I know that I am making a difference to people’s lives and that is fulfilling. I would recommend anyone who wants to stretch themselves within the healthcare sector to consider talking to our recruitment team, to find out more about how they could play a part in a vital service.”
We are recruiting for pharmacy technicians nationally, browse our vacancies today.
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