Meet our Chief Pharmacist ahead of Clinical Pharmacy Congress.

As we look ahead to this year’s Clinical Pharmacy Congress, we spoke with Sunil Dabasia, our Chief Pharmacist, about what makes CUH Pharmacy a great place to work, the innovations shaping our practice, and why you should come and meet the team at Clinical Pharmacy Congress.

What makes CUH Pharmacy a unique place to work?
For me, CUH Pharmacy stands out as a unique place to work due to the sheer range of opportunities available in one organisation.  With numerous specialist teams and roles across areas such as pharmacogenomics, transplant, neurology, oncology, informatics and aseptics, there are many pathways for pharmacy team members to explore, develop new interests and build diverse careers.

I think that what truly distinguishes the department, however, is our staff.  There is a strong culture of quality improvement, with teams constantly seeking better ways of working and turning ideas into reality.  For instance, the current pilot of digital dispensing logs is helping move away from long-established paper-based processes.  It’s an environment where innovation is supported, everyone’s voice is valued, and staff feel proud to contribute.  Above all, it’s a place where colleagues come together to deliver Safe, Kind and Excellent care for our patients.

CUH Pharmacy is known for its supportive work environment - what does that look like in practice?
From the very beginning, we prioritise helping all new starters feel welcomed, included and part of the team.  Everyone is supported through a structured induction, paired with a dedicated pharmacy buddy, and given plenty of opportunities to ask questions as they settle in.  We also run regular welcome events, offering a chance to meet fellow new starters, senior leaders and the pharmacy wellbeing team in a relaxed setting over drinks and cake.

That supportive approach continues in everyday working life.  Our dedicated pharmacy wellbeing team leads initiatives designed to make a real difference, whether that’s enhancing staff spaces like tea rooms or organising activities such as Active April to help colleagues recharge and stay connected.

What opportunities are there for learning and research?
Learning and development are central to how we work.  We promote a strong “pay it forward” culture, encouraging colleagues to share their knowledge and support each other’s growth.  Our in-house Train the Trainer programme helps pharmacy staff build the skills and confidence to teach and guide others, including supporting new starters during their induction.

Research is equally important within our department.  We have a clear strategy in place, supported by leadership commitments and two dedicated research groups - one focused on setting direction and the other on providing practical support.  We actively encourage staff from all roles and levels of experience to get involved in research, including collaborating with regional partners and wider networks.  This often leads to opportunities for publication and presenting work at conferences (such as CPC!), helping to share learning more broadly.  We’re also looking forward to hosting an internal research event later this year, creating even more opportunities for collaboration and idea-sharing.

What has been your proudest moment as Chief Pharmacist?
One of my proudest moments as Chief Pharmacist is seeing our teams recognised at our Annual Pharmacy Awards.  These awards truly showcase the very best of pharmacy, highlighting innovation, dedication, and the real impact our work has on patient care.  They also reflect our commitment to inclusion - ensuring everyone’s contributions are seen, valued, and celebrated. With nominations and winners decided by pharmacy staff themselves, the process is genuinely peer-led, giving everyone a voice in recognising excellence.

It is a valuable opportunity to recognise the extraordinary efforts of individuals and teams, and to celebrate achievements that often happen quietly behind the scenes but make a profound difference every day.  What stands out to me is the teamwork, the willingness to go above and beyond, and the shared commitment to excellence.  Each nomination and award reflects the passion and professionalism that define our pharmacy team.  

I am continually impressed by the incredible talent we have here in Cambridge.  From clinical excellence and research to operational leadership and innovation, the breadth of expertise across the team is remarkable.  Moments like these reinforce why I am so proud to be part of CUH and why it is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated colleagues and to lead a team that consistently strives to improve, adapt, and deliver the highest standards of care.

What does the future look like for CUH Pharmacy?
The future for CUH Pharmacy is incredibly exciting, with significant opportunities to further transform how we deliver care.  The new Children’s Hospital and the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital will enable us to redesign services around patients, supporting more specialised, integrated, and research-driven care than ever before.

Alongside this, we will continue to advance our use of digital technologies, strengthening our capability as a HIMSS Stage 7 Trust to improve safety, efficiency, and patient outcomes.  Innovation will remain central to our approach, as we work closely with system partners to develop new models of care and deliver the ambitions set out in the NHS 10 Year Plan.

By combining cutting-edge facilities, digital transformation, and strong collaboration, CUH Pharmacy is well placed to lead the way in shaping the future of pharmacy services.  It’s an exciting time to join and be part of this journey.

Why should delegates visit the CUH stand at CPC?
We’d love to meet you! Whether you’re exploring new opportunities or simply want to learn more about what we do, come and chat with our team about careers, development pathways, and what makes CUH Pharmacy special.

We will be at Stand E42, which is adjacent to the Technology & Innovation Theatre.

We look forward to seeing you at Clinical Pharmacy Congress!