Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) is proud to celebrate an extraordinary and remarkable milestone achieved by its chief pharmacist who has completed an incredible 40 years of on‑call pharmacy service to the NHS.
Across four decades, Anthony Oxley, chief pharmacist at LPT, has responded to countless late‑night calls, made urgent trips to pharmacy in the early hours, and provided unwavering clinical and operational support to colleagues — all while continuing his full‑time role. This is a truly remarkable and possibly record‑breaking achievement.
Anthony’s dedication has ensured that patients receive urgently needed medication and expert advice, no matter the time of day or night.
Reflecting on the milestone, Anthony shared:
“An on-call pharmacy service is one of those NHS functions that’s not always thought about, but everyone needs. When a patient gets admitted without their Insulin or a sudden change in their presentation occurs then medication needs to be provided urgently. Also, other staff might need expert medicines advice to ensure the safe and effective care of a patient.
“That’s where the on-call pharmacist comes in. Working whenever pharmacy is closed, they bring urgent medications to patients across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland at all times of the night and at weekends – as well as being available to support other health care professionals.
“I have been doing this across various organisations for forty years in addition to my day job. The good part is knowing that you have helped in a direct and clinically important way. The bad part is finally getting to sleep and then being woken thirty minutes later but it all goes with the job!
“To be acknowledged for this work by the Trust and my team was very special and the certificate of achievement is now in pride of place in my office.
“It was time to step down, but I will always look back with pride on this small part of vital NHS work that I have contributed to and the large number of patients that I helped get vital medication when they really needed it.”
To honour Anthony’s incredible contribution, LPT hosted a celebratory event, with Bhanu Chadalavada, medical director, delivering a heartfelt tribute. Anthony was presented with a commemorative plaque, alongside cake and a burst of confetti cannons to mark the significance of the moment.
Bhanu shared: “I was delighted to be part of the celebration to mark forty years of on-call by Anthony. Anthony started working in the NHS in 1985 and LPT in 1990. It was clear to see the appreciation and joy from colleagues as to how much his leadership is valued.
“For four decades, Anthony has been the steady, reliable presence behind the scenes, the person who would be able to comprehensively assess the situation, provide calm guidance and also go over and above to ensure great patient experience, not only safety and quality.
“The Pharmacy team and the wider hospital staff appreciated Anthony’s support, expert guidance during the on-call and this would have been reflected in the patient feedback who would have been able to access much needed medication, by Anthony driving around Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland!
“Anthony has always demonstrated true leadership values through role modelling and been influential in the career development of several of our pharmacy team whilst continuing to develop a service that makes us all proud.
“Finally, on behalf of us all, I am deeply grateful for his long service providing on-calls and also delighted that Anthony is continuing to lead our pharmacy services.”
Anthony’s commitment exemplifies the compassion, professionalism and patient‑centred care that run at the heart of our Trust. We are immensely proud to recognise his outstanding service and the impact he has made over four decades.