Surinder Kalsi making up prescriptions

Surinder Singh Kalsi has worked as a pharmacist on Barking’s Gascoigne Estate since December 1981. He has been a member of the now defunct NHS Barking and Dagenham’s professional executive committee and board. Surinder also sits on the local pharmaceutical committee and lives in Redbridge with his wife and three sons.

I have been a pharmacist in Barking for nearly 30 years and in that time there have been many changes, from demographics to the geography of the area.

My vision right from the start has been to be available for my community, be it prescribing, counselling or just a friendly ear.

Today that need has never been greater.

Pharmacists are often undervalued but in reality they are clinicians and scientists on everybody’s doorstep, available, uniquely, without appointment and across long hours.

We aim to free our GP colleagues to deal with more serious clinical problems by treating everyday headaches, rashes and other minor infections through our minor ailments scheme.

Medicinal dossette boxes are important aides for confused and elderly patients which prevent over or under-dosing that can result in unnecessary hospital visits and stays.

We provide disability aides on prescription through the borough.

As well as this, we offer on-the-spot pregnancy testing, ear piercing and everyday medical and cosmetic products.

We endeavour to keep the public healthy and happy, educating them to use medicines with caution, respect and appropriately without hoarding.

Be assured that pharmacists are always there for patient help and advice; to save GPs time for more complicated issues and simultaneously promoting a clean, risk-free environment for the entire community.

What we constantly aim to do is save the NHS money without compromising our patients’ health and safety.