I'm a Blackpool Vic pharmacy technician who's worked for the NHS for 49 years and I've loved every minute

A Blackpool Victoria Hospital pharmacy technician is preparing to retire after dedicating 49 years to the NHS, including 47 years at the Trust.

Julie Heyes began her training as a Pharmacy Technician in September 1977 and has spent almost five decades helping patients manage their medicines and supporting the smooth running of the hospital’s pharmacy services.

Her long service was highlighted by Blackpool Victoria Hospital as part of Pharmacy Technician Day on October 20, which recognises the important role pharmacy technicians play in patient care.

Julie’s interest in pharmacy began when she worked for a chemist during school holidays and weekends. “I enjoyed the work that I was doing and when I heard about a Trainee Pharmacy Technician post at the hospital, I decided to go for it,” said Julie, who started her training in September 1977 and has never looked back.

As part of her role, Julie supports the running of the hospital’s in-patient pharmacy by preparing, supplying and administering medicines. Over the course of her career, she has witnessed significant changes in both the role and the pharmacy department.

When she began her training, the team had fewer than 40 members and medicines were originally made up in the dispensary using equipment such as a pestle and mortar. The department now employs more than 140 people, with technological advancements, including a pharmacy robot, helping to support its work.

“Through this role I learnt how to use a computer. When I originally started everything was done on typewriters and labels were handwritten,” said Julie.

She now works on the Acute Medicine Unit (AMU), where she gathers patients’ medication histories. These provide a complete record of all the medicines a patient is currently taking or has taken recently, including over-the-counter medicines.

Julie said one of the most rewarding aspects of her job was the opportunity to work directly with patients and help ensure they received the right medication.

“I really enjoy getting to meet and speak to patients and have an impact on their patient journey by making sure they are on the right medications and they understand any changes that have been made”.

Julie is due to retire in January 2027 and is looking forward to spending more time with her family and going on more holidays. She also encouraged others considering a career in pharmacy to take the opportunity.

“If you are considering a career as a Pharmacy Technician I wholeheartedly recommend you go for it. The work varies every day. While it can be pressurised and demanding sometimes, there’s a lot of teamwork and it is a really rewarding job. I’ve loved every minute of it”.

Blackpool Victoria Hospital thanked Julie for her years of service and wished her a very happy retirement with her family and loved ones.