My Journey to Becoming a Chief Pharmacy Information Officer (CPIO)

As someone who began their career in community pharmacy, my journey into digital health has been anything but linear. Every step has shaped the way I now lead, think, and deliver in my role as Chief Pharmacy Information Officer (CPIO). Here’s how I made the transition from dispensing behind a pharmacy counter to driving digital transformation at the heart of an NHS Trust.

2005: My Community Pharmacy Roots

My early years in pharmacy were grounded in the community setting, building patient relationships, optimising over-the-counter advice, and delivering NHS services on the front line. Working in community pharmacy instilled in me a solid foundation in clinical communication, operational efficiency, and patient-centred care, all of which have proved invaluable in my digital journey.

2017: Stepping Into Digital at Well Pharmacy

In late 2017, I was given a rare and exciting opportunity: to help shape the creation of the Well Digital Pharmacy. This role led me to become the first Well Digital Pharmacist, working on a new digital pharmacy model from the ground up.

I was responsible for:

• Helping to design digital dispensing workflows

• Supporting the development of online consultation processes

• Bridging the gap between traditional pharmacy practice and digital service delivery

This was where I discovered my passion for digital transformation, using technology not just to replicate traditional workflows, but to reimagine them.

2020: Transitioning to Hospital Pharmacy & EPMA

In March 2020, I made a major career move into the hospital setting, joining the NHS as an EPMA Pharmacist. It was a steep learning curve, adjusting to a new clinical environment during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was also an opportunity to dive deep into digital medicines optimisation.

I quickly became involved in:

• Configuring and supporting electronic prescribing workflows

• Working alongside clinical and IT teams to deliver safe and usable systems

• Supporting training, go-lives, and governance within the hospital's digital infrastructure

2022: Progressing to EPMA Lead

Not long into the role, I had the fortuitous opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and was appointed EPMA Lead Pharmacist.

This allowed me to:

• Lead on the strategic direction of EPMA within the Trust

• Oversee a team dedicated to optimising prescribing and administration workflows

• Work closely with clinicians, safety officers, and digital partners to ensure EPMA was aligned with both national standards and local needs

This period was pivotal in developing my leadership skills and broadening my understanding of clinical informatics beyond pharmacy.

2023: Becoming a Chief Pharmacy Information Officer (CPIO)

In the summer of 2023, I was proud to be appointed Chief Pharmacy Information Officer, a role that combines my passion for pharmacy, leadership, and digital transformation.

As CPIO, I now:

• Provide strategic leadership on the digital optimisation of medicines and pharmacy services

• Serve as a bridge between clinical, technical, and executive teams

• Advocate for innovation in areas like EPMA, automation, data analytics, and interoperability

Final Thoughts

Looking back, my journey from community pharmacy to CPIO has been filled with unexpected turns, steep learning curves, and inspiring collaborations. Each phase—from creating a digital pharmacy at Well, to leading EPMA in a hospital setting—has reinforced my belief that pharmacists have a crucial role to play in shaping the digital future of healthcare.

If you're a pharmacist with a passion for systems, safety, or service redesign, there's a place for you in clinical informatics. I hope my journey shows that the path into digital is wide open.