About me
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Name: |
Sarah Partridge |
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Current role: |
Workforce Development Lead Pharmacist and NATH Pharmacist Associate |
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Work setting: |
Primary Care |
As a clinical pharmacist, I’m driven by a passion for helping others grow. My role centres on supporting pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and other professionals in general practice to develop their skills, confidence, and impact - empowering them to deliver the best possible care for patients and communities.
Read more about Sarah's story below or watch her 4 minute video:
My career journey
My career has spanned over 20 years, beginning with my training year in London, split between hospital and primary care. At that stage, I wasn’t sure if I could see myself as a pharmacist for the next 40 years, so I took a step back, returning to Nottingham and locuming in community pharmacy. That time gave me space to reflect, and I soon realised my passion lay in hospital pharmacy.
From there, I progressed through several East Midlands hospitals, taking on diverse roles: from pre-reg pharmacist tutor and university teacher practitioner to developing an antimicrobial guideline app. Teaching and supporting others was always the thread that ran through everything I did.
In 2015, recognising my desire to work more closely with patients and complete my independent prescribing qualification, I moved into general practice. At the time, this was a leap of faith - few pharmacists worked in this sector, and there was no established training pathway. With the support of some fantastic GPs, I thrived and discovered how rewarding it was to make a direct difference to patient care.
After five years, I sought a new challenge and moved to another practice before stepping into my current role as Workforce Development Lead Pharmacist in 2022. This role allows me to do what I love most - helping others to grow, develop, and shape the future of pharmacy in primary care.
How I got into this role
I’ve always enjoyed science, so I chose A level Biology, Chemistry, and Maths - subjects I was good at and genuinely interested in. I wasn’t sure what to study at university, but my careers adviser suggested pharmacy as a way to combine science with working with people, without too much exposure to blood and needles. The irony is that vaccinations are now a key part of many pharmacists’ roles - proof that you can’t always predict where your career will take you!
I went on to complete a Master of Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham, followed by my training year. Since then, I’ve continued developing and training throughout my career, as the role of a pharmacist is constantly evolving, from completing my clinical diploma to gaining my independent prescribing qualification.
What my role involves
No two days are ever quite the same. Much of my time is spent supporting and supervising a workforce of more than sixty healthcare professionals across general practice. I lead development sessions, offer guidance, and help colleagues grow in confidence as they take on new responsibilities.
Alongside this, I still keep a connection to patient care. In my clinic sessions, I review patients with asthma and COPD, carry out detailed medication reviews, and make sure hospital discharge letters are accurately matched to patient records, so treatment continues smoothly. I also respond to medicine queries from patients and colleagues, sometimes simple, sometimes complex, but always rewarding.
It’s a role that balances leadership with hands on clinical work, and that mix keeps me grounded. Every day brings the chance to improve patient care while helping others develop their skills and shape the future of pharmacy in general practice.
What I enjoy most
What I love most about my job is seeing people grow and thrive. Teaching and developing others has always been at the heart of what I do. There’s something incredibly rewarding about supporting someone to reach their potential - whether that’s helping a pharmacist take part in pharmacogenomics research or guiding a colleague through challenges so they can work more happily and effectively.
Watching individuals gain confidence, discover new skills, and realise what they’re capable of reminds me why I chose this career. Every success story, big or small, feels like a shared achievement - and that’s what makes my role so fulfilling.
Challenges
There are definitely challenges in this role. The first is that healthcare is always changing, so you have to be willing to learn and adapt. When I first started, working in primary care wasn’t even an option for pharmacists — and now there are over 7,000 pharmacists employed in this sector across England. It’s a reminder of how quickly things evolve and how important it is to stay open minded.
The second challenge is time. There’s never quite enough of it to do everything you’d like to. I’ve learned that prioritising, delegating, and focusing on what really matters are essential skills. You can’t do it all, but you can make a real difference by doing your best and supporting others to do the same.
Skills you need
To succeed as a pharmacist, you need a mix of clinical expertise and people skills. Key skills include:
Communication
Explaining complex information clearly to patients and colleagues, and listening with empathy.
Teamwork
Working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, effective care.
Organisation
Managing time, priorities, and documentation efficiently in a busy healthcare environment.
Compassion
Understanding patients’ needs and supporting colleagues with kindness and respect.
Problem solving
Using clinical knowledge and critical thinking to find safe, practical solutions.
Leadership
Inspiring and guiding others, especially when developing new roles or services.
Adaptability
Responding positively to change in a fast moving healthcare system.
Attention to detail
Ensuring accuracy in prescribing, reviewing, and record keeping.
My advice
If you’re thinking about working in health or care, especially in pharmacy, start by talking to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in different sectors. Their experiences will help you understand the variety of roles available and how the profession is evolving.
Working and communicating with people is one of the most important skills you can develop. While it can be difficult to get direct work experience in pharmacy, you can build valuable skills in other ways: by volunteering in care homes, helping out with community groups or clubs like Scouts, or even working in a shop or café.
The best way to learn is by getting involved, asking questions, and staying curious. Every experience that helps you connect with people will make you a stronger, more compassionate healthcare professional.
Career tips and next steps
My journey hasn’t been a straight line, but each step has helped me grow and adapt to the changing world of pharmacy. It’s shown me that there’s no single route through this profession - and that curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to learn can take you further than you ever imagined.
Read more 'Day in the life' of primary care workers
We've pulled together all these personal journeys to showcase the diversity of primary care roles and give a hollistic, honest view of the highs and lows that come with the job. We believe primary care is a rewarding career path and our goal is make Nottingham and Nottinghamshire a great place to work, so our workforce can deliver the best possible care.
This case study forms part of our work experience activity. It is perfect for students aged 14 or over (school or college), career changers, or anyone interested in exploring careers in health and social care. If you complete 5 activities you can achieve a gold level certificate. Already downloaded your pack? Read more stories! Want to join this work experience? Click to start!
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