This World Pharmacy Week (19-25 September 2025), BAPEN is proud to spotlight the essential role that pharmacists and the wider pharmacy team play in delivering nutritional care across healthcare settings and within the community.
Organised by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), this year’s theme, “Think Health, Think Pharmacist”, is a timely reminder of the breadth and depth of pharmacy’s contribution to health, wellbeing, and nutritional care.
At BAPEN, we see this as an opportunity to celebrate the entire pharmacy workforce. From the familiar faces in community pharmacies who notice when a regular may be losing weight, to general practice teams identifying medications that affect nutritional status. From pharmacists, technicians and pharmaceutical scientists preparing Parenteral Nutrition, to Pharmacy Quality Assurance teams ensuring strict manufacturing standards are met. In hospitals, multidisciplinary teams manage complex cases, while procurement and supply chain professionals work behind the scenes to ensure vital products are available.
The positive impact of all of this is felt throughout the healthcare system and beyond.
The pharmacy workforce is evolving, too. Many NHS aseptic units, for example, have embraced workforce transformation, introducing innovative roles for Pharmaceutical Scientists and Science Manufacturing Technicians. These professionals now work alongside pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and assistants in blended teams, contributing to the safe preparation of injectable medicines – including parenteral nutrition. Their technical expertise and leadership are vital to maintaining high standards and ensuring patients receive the right nutrition safely and reliably.
Within BAPEN, we’re proud to have experienced pharmacists serving as Treasurer and Executive Trustee of the charity and sitting on Council as Chair of one of BAPEN’s core groups, the British Pharmaceutical Nutrition Group (BPNG).
Sarah Zeraschi, Consultant Pharmacist for Nutrition and Intestinal Failure in Leeds, is BAPEN’s Honorary Treasurer, has been BAPEN’s Regional Representative for Yorkshire and Humber for a decade, and is the immediate past Chair of the BPNG. Sarah is the first pharmacist to be elected to such a senior position within BAPEN.
Sarah said:
“I’m honoured to contribute to the leadership of such a fantastic organisation. Working alongside dedicated professionals and patients to advance nutritional care is a privilege, and I’m proud to represent pharmacy services and the vital role we play in patient care.”
Priya Mistry, Consultant Pharmacist for Nutrition Support and Intestinal Failure at University Hospital Southampton, has been Chair of the BPNG since 2022. Priya also steers regional multidisciplinary training through the Southern Home Intestinal Failure Network (SHIFNet) and has done since 2016. She leads an established specialist pharmacy service with expertise spanning clinical, technical, academic, and research domains.
Priya said:
“World Pharmacy Week and World Pharmacists Day are the perfect opportunity to reflect on the different roles in the pharmacy team that contribute to nutritional care. Join us in advocating for greater recognition of these roles this week, because when we think health, we must also think pharmacy – in all its forms.”
