A pharmacist working at Stepping Hill Hospital has become one of the first in the country to qualify in providing additional specialist care for rheumatology patients.

Rebecca Heaton, the lead pharmacist in rheumatology for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, has successfully qualified in becoming a ‘consultant pharmacist’ in the position.

She is one of only three in the whole of England and Wales to achieve this position in the discipline of rheumatology, as well as being the first consultant pharmacist of any discipline at the trust.

Consultant pharmacists are leaders in their profession, as well as senior clinical experts delivering care and driving improvement across healthcare.  They are specialists who provide expert advice on medications and pharmaceutical services, including patient safety. 

They actively develop knowledge through research and innovation in their area of expertise, and share these developments with colleagues to improve care across the NHS.

Rebecca will be providing expert care to patients with the most complex needs, and delivering advice for teams caring for patients with rheumatology conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has over 120 pharmacy staff working in both Stepping Hill Hospital and the community, responsible for the care and treatment of a great number of conditions.

Dr Paul Buckley, Chief Pharmacist for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said; “We are very proud for Rebecca becoming one of the first consultant pharmacists for rheumatology in the country. This is both a great achievement for her, and a big step forward for the specialist care which we can offer our rheumatology patients.”