A pharmacist in Essex who supported the delivery of life-saving vaccines across Essex during the COVID-19 pandemic has been elected as a Fellow of a Royal Society.
Dr Hilary Scott, Director of Pharmacy at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT), has received one of the profession’s highest accolades, having been appointed a Fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
A Fellowship recognises the distinction members have attained in their careers and is awarded following a nomination by members of the society.
Hilary began her pharmacy career in Essex in 1992 and has worked in hospitals and primary care, as well as mental health and community services.
In 2008, Hilary joined SEPT, a predecessor Trust to EPUT, and built a dedicated pharmacy service for the organisation. The team now has 90 posts, which include pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy support workers and administrative staff.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hilary led a Pharmacy team which were responsible for managing life-saving vaccines across 22 vaccination centres in Essex and Suffolk. She said: “It was a huge challenge but one that we stepped up to as an organisation. I am enormously proud of the contribution that the Pharmacy team made towards this.
Hilary has also been instrumental in implementing electronic prescribing in our inpatient wards, which aims to improve the efficiency and safety of medicines management, and continues to be actively involved in the planning of the Trust’s Electronic Patient Record, Nova.
Hilary is passionate about supporting the pipeline of pharmacy staff and her team includes foundation trainee pharmacists and pre-registration pharmacy technicians undertaking apprenticeships.
Reflecting on her fellowship, Hilary said: “I was thrilled to find out that I had not only been nominated, but actually awarded a fellowship. I am honoured that my work has been recognised in that way, and it is actually very humbling.
“This accolade isn’t just a recognition of what I have done – it is a recognition of what the colleagues I have worked with over the last 17 years have achieved.”
Paul Scott, Chief Executive at EPUT, said: “We are so proud that Hilary’s incredible work at the Trust has been recognised by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Hilary and her team make a huge difference, delivering vital services to our patients.”