First UK Community Pharmacist obtains Advance Practice Level Credential from Royal Pharmaceutical Society

First UK Community Pharmacist obtains Advance Practice Level Credential from Royal Pharmaceutical Society

We are thrilled to announce that Maxine McCabe has become the first community pharmacist in the UK to be credentialed as a core advanced pharmacist by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. This involves demonstrating working across all four pillars of advanced practice - clinical, leadership and management, educating others and research. This achievement is a testament to Maxine's dedication to pharmacy practice in Scotland.

Maxine, who has worked in the community pharmacy sector since qualifying as a pharmacist in 2008, has consistently shown a keen interest in developing the wider pharmacy team and enhancing clinical services for the local patient population. In her career Maxine has managed various community pharmacies, including Boots and Parkhead Health Centre Pharmacy, where she played a pivotal role in developing pharmacy practice and nurturing pharmacy support roles and trainee pharmacists.

Since 2023, Maxine has taken on a part-time role as a Senior Educator in the Prescribing & Clinical Skills teams at NHS Education for Scotland (NES), while continuing in clinical practice and her role as a Teach and Treat Training Hub lead at Burnside Pharmacy in Lanarkshire. Her dual role exemplifies her commitment to both education and clinical practice, ensuring that she remains at the forefront of pharmacy practice.

NES has supported Maxine's journey to become credentialed at an advanced practice level. Her success not only marks a significant personal milestone, but also demonstrates that credentialling at core advanced level is achievable and applicable across all pharmacy sectors, highlighting the potential for advanced practice within the profession.

NES Director of Pharmacy, Professor Andrew Sturrock said:

“I am delighted to see that Maxine’s commitment to her patients and the profession have been recognised. Maxine role models how community pharmacists can work at an advanced level across all four pillars of practice and credentialling is a significant achievement for Maxine personally and for community pharmacy in Scotland. I hope this will inspire other community pharmacists to follow and support delivery of the best care for people in our communities across Scotland by our pharmacy teams.”

Maxine McCabe said:

“I am delighted to obtain my Advanced Practice credential and showcase that this is achievable in community pharmacy. It emphasises that community pharmacists are able to take on advanced clinical roles to support patients within their communities and contribute to the development of the wider pharmacy and multidisciplinary team.”

Congratulations, Maxine, on this remarkable accomplishment!

 

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