Discover how Jess transitioned to prison primary care after spending a decade in a community pharmacy role, and felt she was truly making a significant on her patients’ wellbeing.
Jess, a pharmacy technician at HM Prison & Young Offender Institution (HMP & YOI), Doncaster shared her rewarding experience with us. She joined our Health in Justice team in March 2021.
Before joining Practice Plus Group, she spent nearly a decade in community pharmacy. Even though she enjoyed and valued her experience there, she realized that working in the prison environment would allow her to make a significant impact on the most vulnerable. Her true calling was for a workplace where she could fully utilize her skills and truly make a difference.
She says, “Here, I see patients with complex health issues, I help keep them informed about their medication and support out-patients in managing their conditions day to day.”
Working in prison primary care means collaborating with a diverse, multi-disciplinary team, including doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, substance misuse specialists, dentists, and mental health nurses, to name a few. Jess feels confident that this exposure to various specialisms has enriched her clinical knowledge in ways that other environments couldn’t. She adds, “There are plenty of opportunities for professional development as no days or patients are the same. I feel like I have developed a lot of skills since working at Practice Plus Group”.
As a pharmacy technician, Jess administers medication to patients, either for them to keep or to be taken under supervision. The pharmacy team conducts medicines reconciliations for all new arrivals at HMP & YOI Doncaster, ensuring they continue to receive the appropriate medication while under care. Jess also manages medicines, conducts in-possession risk assessments, and oversees prescriptions and stock.
Jess finds her work environment and team to be very supportive and friendly. She says, “From the moment I joined in March 2021, I was welcomed warmly into the team, and I felt comfortable right away. We often bring in treats for everyone and enjoy socializing at team events (COVID-19 permitting, of course).”
Jess highly recommends the prison environment to any pharmacy technician looking to expand their skills and knowledge.
If you’re seeking a career where you can grow professionally and personally while making a meaningful impact, consider joining Practice Plus Group. Unlock your best work life!
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