Raj Patel

Raj Patel, Community Pharmacist, The Nelson Pharmacy, Merton

“I have worked with the NHS for many years. If I tell you how many years in total it would give my age away so my lips are sealed!

“The Nelson Pharmacy started off as Mount Elgon Pharmacy opposite Wimbledon Chase train station which I took over in 2005. Before this, I worked for Alliance Healthcare as a Consultant Clinical Pharmacist, IT Specialist Pharmacist and Locum.

“The Nelson Pharmacy is transforming services to improve patient care by putting the Pharmacist at the heart of every patient contact. We have invested in a state of the art Robot Dispenser which will save time, improve accuracy and make the pharmacist more readily available for face to face consultations. As an Independent Pharmacist Prescriber and having undergone Clinical Assessment Training the role of the pharmacist will be transformed over the coming years.

“I love people, the daily face to face contact, making a difference to their health and improving their quality of life. South West London is a tremendous place to live and the community are very friendly. I have seen many ‘sides’ of the NHS in south west London in my various leadership roles and people are very passionate about the work they do.

“My proudest moments are the numerous accolades and awards we have won whilst working as a Community Pharmacist, including winning the bid to have my Independent Pharmacy relocated into The Nelson Health Centre. I am also proud of serving as a Board Member on the National Pharmacy Association and representing Community Pharmacy at Department of Health meetings.”