Heartbeat: Hello my name is… Emma Archer Associate Head of Pharmacy Operations, Business and Projects
February 19, 2019
It’s not only a ‘hello’ but also ‘welcome back’ to Emma Archer, who has joined as our new associate head of pharmacy operations, business and projects.
Emma trained as a pharmacy technician following two years training at the General Hospital Birmingham. She had a short stint at George Elliot Hospital, before arriving at Sandwell Hospital (pre the Trust merge) where she enjoyed seven years working in dispensary, aseptics and ward based services.
Emma moved to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham as dispensary manager, where she stayed for 13 years.
“During this time, my role progressed to encompass Selly Oak dispensaries and crosssite ward based services,” explained Emma.
“I was appointed to the role of associate director of pharmacy by my then boss, Dr Keith Ridge CBE, who is now the chief pharmacist for the UK.”
In 2013, Emma moved to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for a better work/life balance as she looked to start a family.
“My husband and I have twin boys who are now four and will be starting school this year,” said Emma.
“After working part-time managing the pharmacy homecare team, I felt it was the right time to step back into full-time work and I was delighted when the opportunity to return to Sandwell Hospital came up.”
Emma’s role as associate head of pharmacy operations, business and projects means she is responsible for dispensaries, procurement and distribution cross-site.
She said: “I will be working with Pun (Sharma, Chief Pharmacist) to lead new projects which include the outsourcing of outpatient dispensing and the further roll out of Pyxis medicine cabinets across the organisation.
There will also be a lot of work to prepare the service for the move to Midland Met.”
So what is Emma most looking forward to about her new role?
“I was happy working at Sandwell before and I already feel I have returned to a friendly, positive organisation,” smiled Emma.
“I am looking forward to using the knowledge and skills gained through my time working in hospital pharmacy to improve services and support colleagues in their development.
“It’s an exciting time to join the team with Midland Met on the horizon.”