After qualifying as a pharmacist, Andrea has worked in several sectors, mainly primary care. She is now working her notice in her current role as clinical specialist Pharmacist in Mental health to go back to general practice.
Andrea completed her pre-registration in Sunderland Royal Hospital where she stayed on to do her basic grade training.
She said: "I left Sunderland working briefly as a locum in community and Durham prison after which I obtained a post in a hospital in Australia which I thoroughly enjoyed. I continued working and travelling for around a year, then I returned home in 2004 and began working in general practice. Back then the role of a general practice pharmacist was unheard of and explaining my role and capabilities to GPs and practice staff was a common occurrence.
"I continued to work in general practice until 2020, when I decided to specialise in mental health. It is such an interesting field! After a year of working in the mental health sector during the pandemic I decided that whilst it was interesting and challenging it wasn't for me and my heart lay in general practice where I will be returning to work this summer."