Future Pharmacists Ready to Prescribe from Day One

World Pharmacists Day 25 September 2026

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is celebrating the success of its Foundation Trainee Pharmacists, who have become part of the first generation of pharmacists in Wales to qualify as independent prescribers at the point of registration.

The milestone marks a significant moment for the profession and comes as the Health Board joins celebrations for World Pharmacists Day.

The new training pathway combines university study with practical experience across community pharmacy, GP practices and hospital settings, helping trainee pharmacists develop the skills and confidence needed to provide direct patient care from the very start of their careers.

The success is already helping to strengthen the local workforce, with three of the five trainee pharmacists securing permanent roles within Aneurin Bevan University Health Board after qualifying.

Newly qualified pharmacist Sameem Shirzai said the experience showed him the important role pharmacists play in patient care.

"During the placements, you see how much impact the team has on patient care. You really feel like you're making a difference.

"I wanted to stay working with the Health Board after my placement because everyone made me feel really welcome and listened to. Most of the students who had placements in ABUHB wanted to stay."

"The programme helped me develop my clinical and patient care skills through a mix of academic study and hands-on practice in community pharmacy, primary care and hospital settings."

For fellow newly qualified pharmacist Sophie Williams, being part of the first cohort made the experience even more special.

"It's the pilot year for this new pharmacy course and everyone is learning together what the future of pharmacy will look like.

"My training included placements in a GP practice, a community pharmacy and hospital pharmacy. Being based in a hospital was the best place for me to develop clinically. You're never too far away from pharmacists with years of experience if you need advice, and everyone was incredibly supportive.

"They made me feel part of the team, which is really special as a trainee. It helped me build my confidence because I was never afraid to ask questions. After studying so hard for five years, I finally feel like I can put into practice everything I've learned."

Sophie said patient care had been at the centre of everything she had experienced during her training.

"Everyone I've worked with at ABUHB has been passionate about their job and patient care is always the top priority.

"I have so much pride in my job. When people ask what I do, I proudly say I'm a pharmacist. I love being able to say, 'I help people'."

The achievement reflects the hard work of the trainees as well as the pharmacists, mentors and multidisciplinary teams who supported them throughout the programme.

Rachael Quirk, Directorate Pharmacist for Surgery and course mentor, said:

"These were the first students coming out of university and registering as prescribers, so it was something completely new to us and a little daunting at first.

"But it was such a positive experience. It was fantastic to see them grow in confidence and develop their skills throughout the year.

"As a mentor, you obviously want them to pass, but it's not just about the qualification. You want them to enjoy their time, embrace every opportunity and take as much as they can from the experience.

"When a student tells you they want to stay and work for the Health Board where they trained, that's a real credit to everyone involved."

Jonathan Simms, Clinical Director of Pharmacy, said the new qualification represents an important step forward for the future pharmacy workforce.

"2026 marks the first year that newly qualified pharmacists become independent prescribers at the point of registration.

"This places prescribing at the heart of professional practice and means pharmacists are increasingly equipped to take on prescribing responsibilities from the beginning of their careers.

"I would like to congratulate all of our trainee pharmacists on their achievement and thank the pharmacist Designated Prescribing Practitioners who have supported them throughout the programme.

"This represents an important step towards a future pharmacy workforce that is able to maximise its contribution to patient care and help meet the healthcare needs of our population."

As the Health Board marks World Pharmacists Day, the success of the programme highlights its commitment to developing the next generation of pharmacists and ensuring patients continue to receive safe, effective and person-centred care.