Heartbeat: Wave goodbye to… Peter Secrett

November 26, 2019

Pharmacist Team Leader, Peter Secrett has retired after dispensing his last medicine at the end of the summer.

Peter started with us in January 1985 as an MPhil student in the pharmacy department. In 1987 Peter was promoted to clinical pharmacist and he played a fundamental role at the Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre (BMEC).

From the 80s – 00s, Peter gained an array of experience and expertise in a variety of pharmacy roles. He worked as a GP pharmacist at the Smethwick Pathfinder as well as a medicines information manager at the Trust.

Peter’s final role was as a team leader. He managed and supported pharmacy colleagues that provide a service to the surgery wards, day units, theatres and BMEC. He also acted as the main pharmacy contact for these areas.

Since his teenage years, Peter wanted to be a pharmacist. He was captivated with medicine for as long as he remembers. That didn’t change over his three-decade career. “From about 14, I wanted to be a pharmacist. I was always fascinated with medicines and how these act on the body to treat disease. I wanted to use this knowledge in a practical way and working in the NHS seemed a logical choice.”

“For over 30 years the Trust has been a stable organisation whilst at the same time moving forward and innovating. This is seen with the Midland Met Hospital and with Unity.”

Peter’s colleagues speak highly of him and feel he will be irreplaceable. Emma Graham-Clarke, Consultant Pharmacist said: “Peter was one of the first people I met when I started at City Hospital in 1985. He was committed to doing the best for his patients or for anyone who asked for help. We’ll miss him.”

Suki Tagger, Chief Pharmacy Technician and Renate Boethling, Senior Pharmacist echo these sentiments.

Suki said: “Peter was more than my line manager. He supported me through my accreditation and, helped build a new team in medicines information making us feel welcome.”

Renate said: “Peter has been a pillar of the department supporting staff through difficult changes.”