Our Team
The Pharmacist Voice Admin Team is a dedicated group of volunteer pharmacists managing the core functions of our organisation. Their selfless commitment is deeply valued, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for their support and dedication. Our association aims to connect with every pharmacist across various sectors and regions in the UK.
Yvonne Grant-Martin
My name is Yvonne Grant-Martin.
I am the Founder and Director of Rehoboth Pharmacy & Variety Store LTD for over 13 years, also the Founder and the Directors of the Pharmacy Association UK Limited, otherwise known as The Pharmacist Voice UK , I have studied pharmacy in the UK and attained a Masters degree with Honours. Currently I am working as a Locum pharmacist in the community and also worked in the NHS hospital pharmacy as well as GP practice on a part time basis.
I am a registered nurse with over thirty years experience and my specialty is in critical care nursing. In addition I have attained a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management, and am a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development. This gave me the opportunity to work in the NHS as a Senior HR Advisor where I had the opportunity to support Line Managers on Employee Relations matters. I was instrumental as a trade union representative at my local NHS Trust for the Royal College of Nursing for over 8 years during which time I represented to my colleague at various disciplinary, grivevance, sickness absence and performance management meetings to name a few. Furthermore, I was as a volunteer assessor for the NHS England Assessment Centres, where I had the opportunity to assess, interview and selected individuals that were aspiring for Assistant Directors position within the NHS. In addition, I was an assessor for the NHS Graduate Scheme Assessment Centres, and was privileged to assess, interview and selected outstanding candidates to study Human Resources Management and/ Business Management. Prior to migrating to the UK I was a member of the Nurses Association of Jamaica and was a representative of Junior Nurses. During my tenure I had the opportunity to sit on the Socvio Economic & Welfare committee that negotiated and bargained with Government Officials on nurses pay packages as well as terms and conditions of work. By so doing we were able to successfully achieved a significant increase in the nurses salary for which the nurses expresed their gratitude. With years of experience in the different disciplines, this has enabled me to add synergy to my current role as one Directors of The Pharmacist Association UK LTD and I am well placed to ensure that my pharmacist colleagues are fairly treated and feel respected as experts in their chosen discipline.
Michelle
Michelle is a dynamic and driven individual, balancing the roles of a newly qualified pharmacist and a dedicated student pursuing global public health at Queen Mary University of London.Currently working in a psychiatric hospital pharmacy and Locuming in the hospital. At the age of 24, she has already made significant strides in her professional journey, serving as a relief pharmacist while furthering her education.
Driven by a passion for catalysing positive change within the field of pharmacy, Michelle eagerly embraces her role as the secretary for the Pharmacist Voice committee dedicated to advancing pharmacy practices. Her enthusiasm for innovation and improvement propels her to seek out opportunities where she can contribute meaningfully to the profession.
With a strong academic background and practical experience in pharmaceutical care, Michelle is well-equipped to tackle the challenges and complexities of the healthcare landscape. Her commitment to continuous learning and advocacy underscores her dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of patients and communities.
As she navigates the intersection of pharmacy and public health, Michelle remains steadfast in her belief that proactive collaboration and informed decision-making are essential for addressing the evolving needs of healthcare delivery. With her unwavering determination and vision, Michelle is poised to be a catalyst for positive change in pharmacy, ensuring that the profession remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation.
Dr Farai Chinyanganya
Dr. Farai Chinyanganya is a distinguished figure in the pharmaceutical industry, renowned for his multifaceted expertise and impactful contributions. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in community pharmacy, having served with prominent organisation’s such as Boots, Lloyds, and Tesco, Dr. Chinyanganya possesses an intimate understanding of the dynamics and challenges within the field.
His academic journey spans a decade, during which he has cultivated a deep reservoir of knowledge and expertise. Dr. Chinyanganya’s commitment to advancing the pharmacy profession extends beyond national borders, as evidenced by his role as an International Development Consultant and CEO of the Southern African Academy of Pharmacy, a prestigious institution registered in the UK.
Currently serving as the Associate Director at Pharmacist Association UK, trading as ‘’Pharmacy Voice’’, Dr. Chinyanganya continues to champion the interests of pharmacists while driving innovation and excellence within the industry. In addition to his professional endeavors, he practices at a small independent pharmacy in Southwest England, where he remains deeply engaged in frontline patient care.
Dr. Chinyanganya’s tireless dedication, combined with his extensive experience and visionary leadership, makes him a highly respected figure within the global pharmacy community, shaping the future of healthcare and pharmaceutical practice for generations to come.
Syed Haque
Syed Haque is a newly qualified pharmacist employed as an NHS Hospital Pharmacist and Locum Community Pharmacist. Having acquired broad experience in the profession working in the field for several years, starting from being a Medicine Counter Assistant, Dispenser, Pharmacy Student and Pharmacy Assistant across Community Pharmacy, Online Distance Dispensing Pharmacy and Hospital Pharmacy. As well as a Foundation Trainee Pharmacist in Community Pharmacy and GP Practice, having a strong compassion for being a team player maintaining a supportive work environment throughout and boosting morale among his colleagues to increase productivity to deliver the highest quality of patient-centred care possible.
His unwavering dedication to hard work and caring for others, colleagues and patients alike, have made him work tirelessly to continuously learn and improve his pharmacy practice by being open-minded, innovative, disciplined and receptive to feedback and constructive criticism to continue to enhance his pharmaceutical skills in practice. Syed has made great strides early in his career working in a highly clinically driven role in the NHS Hospital building his clinical knowledge as well as delivering and maintaining excellent pharmacy practice as a Locum Community Pharmacist.
Syed believes the importance of collaboration and unity amongst pharmacists is critical for us pharmacists to protect, preserve and enhance our profession. Moving with the ever-growing growth of the field and changing demands of the healthcare industry with advancing technology, AI and workforce challenges, effective collaboration and efficient teamwork are critical to support each other for us pharmacists to sustainably provide high-quality of patient-centred care in every setting in the present and in the future.
As he is now delving into the profession of being a pharmacist, he believes in the motto, “When you help someone, you help everyone”. Every action, every intervention, and every contact counts, whether big or small, makes a positive impact on the patient’s care. He believes pharmacists carry a great amount of responsibility, power and respect in the healthcare field, we must utilise this status carefully to be positive catalysts for difference and change in patient lives as well as build and maintain a powerful impactful stance in healthcare to ultimately improve public health. With these attributes Syed has brought synergy to the “Pharmacist Voice “ in addition to his many roles as Lead Secretary and Communications Lead.
Karam Hekmat
Karam Hekmat is a dedicated GP Pharmacist with a wealth of experience spanning various pharmacy sectors within both NHS Scotland and NHS England. His journey in pharmacy has traversed community pharmacy, hospital settings, and general practice, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of healthcare systems across different regions.
Fearless in his pursuit of truth and justice, Karam brings unwavering courage and a bold approach to advocating for individual pharmacists. As one of the founding members of The Pharmacist Association UK, trading as ‘’ Pharmacist Voice’’, he witnessed its inception and has been instrumental in shaping its vision, viewing it as a crucial initiative to empower and benefit pharmacists.
Hailing from Scotland and now based in England, Karam is deeply committed to championing fair pay, safe working conditions, and the rightful recognition of pharmacists within the broader healthcare workforce. Despite juggling his responsibilities within the Association, full-time work, family commitments, and pursuing a University Diploma, Karam remains steadfast in his dedication to improving the profession.
Recognised as a Significant Controller in the Articles of Incorporation, Karam plays a pivotal role as one of the original committee members, ensuring the smooth operation and effectiveness of the organisations activities. With a firm belief that the meticulous work of every pharmacist merits greater acknowledgment and support, Karam urges fellow pharmacists to unite in striving for a more just and equitable future.
Luso Kumwenda
Luso Kumwenda is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in pharmacy, leadership, coaching, and mentoring. With a background in pharmacy from Zimbabwe and a master’s degree from Cardiff, he has accumulated over 20 years of experience in various roles within the pharmaceutical industry, including relief pharmacist, pharmacist manager, locum pharmacist, and independent prescriber. Luso’s commitment to professional development is evident through his numerous postgraduate qualifications, including an MSc in Community Pharmacy and certificates in advanced leadership and education. As the founder and CEO of Focus Pre-Reg Revision, he demonstrates his passion for education and training by providing resources and support for pre-registration pharmacists. Additionally, Luso is actively involved in professional organisations such as the Chemist and Druggist, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, and the UK Black Pharmacist Association, where he serves as a mentor and leader. His dedication to the advancement of pharmacy practice is further exemplified by his role as an Advisor on the committee of the Pharmacist Association UK ‘’ Pharmacist Voice’’, where he plays a key role in shaping the organisation’s operations and objectives.
Elsie Njotu
Elsie Njotu is a diligent, enthusiastic, and highly motivated Pharmacist based in Edinburgh, with a profound commitment to healthcare excellence. Her extensive hands-on experience spans various high street pharmacy chains, where she has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead and support dispensary teams. Elsie’s work is characterised by her outstanding leadership and communication skills, which she has honed while serving a diverse patient population that includes individuals of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
In addition to her pharmaceutical expertise, Elsie is a certified SAFE Agilist, actively engaged in ongoing professional development. This dual competency allows her to seamlessly integrate agile methodologies into her practice, enhancing operational efficiency and team collaboration. Her role as a Scrum Master is pivotal in facilitating effective communication and coordination between leadership and team members, ensuring that projects are delivered successfully.
Elsie’s passion for contributing to “The Pharmacist Voice” as a treasurer reflects her dedication to making a positive impact in the healthcare sector. She is driven by a desire to continuously improve and excel in her field, bringing a unique blend of skills and experience to every task she undertakes.
Outside of her professional life, Elsie is known for her enthusiastic and dependable nature, qualities that have earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and patients alike. Her commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of her work, making her a valuable asset to any team she joins.
This profile encapsulates Elsie’s professional journey, highlighting her skills, experience, and dedication to her field.
Thomas Thomik
Thomas Thomik is a dedicated pharmacist with over 20 years of experience. He currently works as a locum pharmacist and serves as an advisor to “The Pharmacist Voice”Committee. Previously, he was a pharmacist manager at Lloyd’s pharmacy for nearly two decades and a committee member of the Dudley LPC from 2013 to 2021, where he contributed to policy development and advocacy. His key strengths include pharmaceutical care, leadership, and policy advocacy. Thomas is committed to advancing the pharmacy profession and enhancing patient care through continuous professional development and collaboration.
Ifeyinwa M Izegbu
I registered as as a Pharmacist 2003.
I started working in NHS on permanent basis and did some odd days in the community Pharmacy to encourage mix skills.
I later worked in the community as a pharmacist manager twice.
I was a Pre- registration pharmacist tutor training two pre- registration pharmacists students.
I later went back into NHS working as a locum clinical pharmacist supervising Clinical Diploma pharmacist students. I also trained Accredited checking pharmacy Technician.
Whilst in NHS, I covered various medical and surgical specialties.
My interest was mainly in Care of the elderly at the time, because of co-morbidities in this group of patients which encompasses varied specialties.
Whilst in NHS I ventured into Clinical Oncology for one year. Because I took a special interest in clinical Oncology, I continued practicing Oncology for about 9 years. As a member of British Oncology Pharmacists Association, I was privileged to know about the Masters degree in Clinical Oncology at a university of my choice and I decided to apply to undertake the course. I got part Global scholarship to take the course because of my experience, and this was encouraging and I never looked back.
In my class we had mix skilled professionals whom we can all tap into their specialty knowledge including medical doctors, Consultants, surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, scientists, and of course clinical pharmacists like me.
I was excited and looking forward to the course.
I have just my dissertation now to complete.
I was a clinical services manager on secondment in private hospital before I got an offer in an NHS to work as an Advance Specialist Oncology pharmacist. I soon resigned because of the bulling culture in some NHS hospitals which lead to my joining this organisation to add voice to pharmacists and to help stamp out oppression, bulling and advancing the cause of pharmacist who want to make a head way but are being prevented because of the bad culture in our health system in which ever field, be it community, general practice, academia, industry, private hospital or NHS.