Anthony Oxley, chief pharmacist at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT), has been honored for an incredible 40 years of on-call pharmacy service to the NHS. Throughout his tenure, he has responded to countless late-night calls, made urgent trips to the pharmacy in the early hours, and provided unwavering clinical and operational support to colleagues, all while continuing his full-time role.
A Lifeline for Patients and Staff
Reflecting on his work, Anthony said: "An on-call pharmacy service is one of those NHS functions that is not always thought about, but everyone needs. When a patient gets admitted without their insulin or a sudden change in their presentation occurs, then medication needs to be provided urgently. Also, other staff might need expert medicines advice to ensure the safe and effective care of a patient. That is where the on-call pharmacist comes in. Working whenever pharmacy is closed, they bring urgent medications to patients across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland at all times of the night and at weekends – as well as being available to support other health care professionals."
He added: "The good part is knowing that you have helped in a direct and clinically important way. The bad part is finally getting to sleep and then being woken 30 minutes later, but it all goes with the job!"
A Heartfelt Tribute
To honor Anthony's remarkable contribution, LPT hosted a celebratory event, where Bhanu Chadalavada, medical director, delivered a heartfelt tribute. Anthony was presented with a commemorative plaque, alongside cake and a burst of confetti cannons to mark the significance of the moment.
Bhanu said: "For four decades, Anthony has been the steady, reliable presence behind the scenes, the person who would be able to comprehensively assess the situation, provide calm guidance, and also go over and above to ensure great patient experience, not only safety and quality."
Continuing Leadership
While Anthony is now stepping down from the on-call role, he will continue to lead LPT pharmacy services. He added: "To be acknowledged for this work by the Trust and my team was very special, and the certificate of achievement is now in pride of place in my office. I will always look back with pride on this small part of vital NHS work that I have contributed to and the large number of patients that I helped get vital medication when they really needed it."
