Nikunj Thakrar – Pharmacy Manager

Nik is a devoted Tesco advocate and has been with us for 11 years. He oversees both the business side of running the pharmacy and the patient care aspect. Before COVID-19, he also regularly visited schools and businesses to give vaccinations and health advice.

What is your day-to-day role and what else do you do?

“I oversee the running of the pharmacy at Coventry Cross Point Extra, where we dispense medication, advise patients and act as the first port of call for medical issues.

“The great thing about Tesco Pharmacy is that I have real flexibility and autonomy over how I run our own pharmacy. I’m able to visit local businesses and schools to provide health services and make community connections.

“I’m also a guest lecturer at my old university, University of Herefordshire. Pre-COVID, I did that every month. It was a long old drive but I loved doing it.”

What were the biggest challenges during the spring lockdown?

“I have a newborn and a two-year-old and was due to have some time at home to spend with the family, but I couldn’t let my patients down. A few of my family members are in the ‘at-risk’ group too, so it was a really difficult decision.

“As many of our colleagues across the business will appreciate, in the spring, the biggest challenge was the sheer volume of customers in need of our services.

“I support four store pharmacies across the West Midlands, including one in Rugby, which is one of our busier stores. During lockdown, most of their colleagues had to self-isolate, so I spent six weeks there to support their Pharmacy Manager. Despite reduced manpower we managed to ensure our patients received their medication in a safe and efficient manner. Although this was one of my biggest challenges it also turned out to be the most rewarding.”

How are you supporting your community through the ongoing crisis?

“Lots of patients are still isolating and are scared to go out, so I’ve been spending one day a week visiting patients’ homes to administer flu jabs. Patients are so grateful for the extra care.”