Meet Jose
Initially the reason I chose to live and work in Dorset was related to it’s geographic location.
Near the sea, forest and not too far from London. Yet, I found this region quite peculiar in regards of it’s demographics and that was what made my move professionally more exciting.
In a coast line of 15 miles in Bournemouth & Poole, we can support a big diversity of communities, each with their challenges and opportunities. On the east side I have worked in a village where 4 in 5 people reach 100 years old and therefore, what they expect from community pharmacy is a place of permanent support with their medicines, treatments and general ailments. Access to health professionals was not always easy and through the pharmacy they felt looked after. It is a rewarding experience but can also be demanding.
“the reason I chose to live and work in Dorset was related to it’s geographic location.
Near the sea, forest and not too far from London.”
When I moved to west side, I started to deal with the younger generations, and their different sort of concerns. People are more dynamic, they want to be in and out of the pharmacy quickly and have fast solutions for their problems e.g. EHC, pain killers. So, although the pace is also fast, we must have a more pragmatic approach.
This is what has made me enjoy Dorset further. The diversity of people, with their varying needs, that require a community pharmacist to have a flexible approach and up to date knowledge. We must understand the dynamics and integrate with a range of services, DAAT, Sexual Health, NHS 111, GP Surgeries, Care Homes, University students to name but a few, so we can do what we do best…be the first point of call to help the community about their medicines and needs.
Jose – Cluster Pharmacist Manager, Lloyds Pharmacy