Day Lewis receives approval for second pharmacist scheme

Day Lewis has announced that NHS England has approved its pilot scheme to take on additional pharmacy staff at some of its branches.

The commissioning body has signed off on the chain's plan to employ a second pharmacist in its outlets, with ten pre-reg students hired as special service pharmacists. These junior-grade staff will work alongside more experienced colleagues for lower salary rates.

NHS England's deputy chief pharmaceutical officer Bruce Warner told Chemist and Druggist that the progress of the scheme will be monitored closely, as it could lead to a change in the sector's career structure and provide the NHS with access to a wider pool of talent.

Meanwhile, Day Lewis managing director Kirit Patel said he believes it is a good way to create new jobs and positions for pharmacy students who are currently struggling to find work. Since being hired in July, the ten pilot scheme participants members have delivered a return of 140 percent on the basic cost of taking them on.

"It's unfair to stress our pharmacists out because there's only a certain amount of time in the day."

Day Lewis is the largest family-owned pharmacy chain in Europe and currently operates more than 200 outlets.