Get To Know Us – Niall Manktelow

Name: Niall Manktelow

What do you do in Galway Hospice?

I share the role of Chief Pharmacist at Galway Hospice. Part of my role involves clinical work such as reviewing prescribed medications to make sure there are no interactions with a patient’s other drugs or counselling patients about their medications before discharge. Away from the inpatient unit I also help lead the organisation’s strategy on medication management, ensuring that medications are stored, prescribed, supplied, and administered in the safest and most effective way.

Why is your role important?

My role is important as I ensure that the medications that are needed for the patients in the Hospice are always available when needed, I also support our community palliative care teams with medication queries from the community setting.

I provide support and information around medication to the medical team and nursing staff as well as education to new staff. When a patient is getting ready for discharge home I help to advise the medical team writing the prescription and I then liaise with the patient’s community pharmacy to make sure everything is in place on the day of discharge. Before they go home I meet with the patient and their carers to explain all their medications and answer any questions they may have about them. I feel that empowering patients and their families with knowledge about their medications is very important and can help put patients mind at ease about managing at home.

Through my work as one of the chairs of our Medication Safety Committee I implement policies and initiatives to reduce medication related risks and ensure that our medication safety practices are to the highest standard.

What is your favourite part of the job?

Working as part of the multidisciplinary team here in Galway Hospice the care is always completely patient focused, I have always found it a privilege to work in such a close team where every member is focused on the goals of the patient and how to help achieve the best quality of life for them and their family.

What has been a highlight for you since you started working in Galway Hospice?

Over my time working in Galway Hospice I have met so many amazing and inspiring people that have been admitted to our service. Getting to know someone while they are an inpatient it is always a highlight meeting them and their family before discharge and helping them become familiar with their medications.

What do you do when you are not in the Hospice?!

Previously I travelled as much as possible but since the arrival of our son last year my world is now at home! I love to cook and in particular I like to cook foreign cuisine, especially dishes from places I have visited such as Mexico and Peru.