The Pharmacy in Practice editorial board is an advisory group who help to guide the direction of the content of this site. The role of the editorial board is vital to ensure that all materials produced are of the highest standard. Although the board members do not have direct input into the creation of the content they will help steer the future direction and give robust feedback when appropriate.
In the coming weeks, we will feature each editorial board member and showcase their career highlights.
Fiona Jones
Fiona Jones is currently the Clinical Lead pharmacist for the central area of Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board in North Wales.
Fiona graduated from Strathclyde University in 1984 and undertook her pre-registration with Boots, then moved to a position as pharmacy manager of a large store in Bridgewater followed by the manager of her own store in Bristol in 1988.
Two years later she purchased an independent pharmacy with her husband in North Wales, working part-time in the shop, and bringing up her three children.
An opportunity arose in 1999 to work in General Practice which was the start of an exciting career change and opportunities to be more clinically involved with patients.
Two years later she began the prescribing science diploma at the University of Liverpool medical school and on completion took up the position as Prescribing advisor for the locality, working on evidence-based practice and clinical audit.
In 2005 she completed the prescribing course as a supplementary prescriber and by 2007 had converted this to independent prescribing, working in a large six GP practice.
In 2009 in collaboration with the University of Liverpool medical school Fiona was asked to support the GP lead to deliver training to 5th-year medical students on polypharmacy review and chronic conditions management, during their primary care placements. Her prescribing work in general practice (2005) initially focused on cardiovascular disease, with an emphasis on hypertension management. This then expanded over the years with the support from local cardiologists, diabetic and renal physicians and local specialist pharmacists, building this network was essential in the early days as there were no National training programmes.
Over the years Fiona has continued to extend her network and shadowing experience into elderly care, mental health and pain, further developing the role of the generalist pharmacist prescriber in Primary care, and in 2016 qualified with a PgCert in Medical Education.
Her Locality work on a domiciliary support referral system gained awards with BCUHB (2015 winner) and National Wales NHS finalist (2016) plus RCGP Bright ideas finalist (2017).
Fiona is also a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and Faculty of Advanced Practice and sat on the Welsh Pharmacy Board from 2015- 2018. Her work has included consulting on the steering group for the National Prescribing competency framework. Contributing and consulting on RPS long-term conditions management and antipsychotic prescribing in nursing home policy documents. Leading on the development of a BCUHB scope of practice document, advanced practice framework and training and supporting new pharmacists in general practice.
Fiona’s aim is to see a clinical career structure within health boards in Wales leading to a Primary care consultant post in the future.