Chief pharmacist looks back on 25 years in role
TODAY will mark the end of an era for one man who has dedicated 25 years of service to the island.
Ed Freestone, 65, has been chief pharmacist in Guernsey since 1995 and has provided support and guidance across multiple States departments, including help with legislation and law.
After so many years’ service, he is now set to retire with a well-earned holiday.
‘I’m looking forward to finishing,’ he said.
‘It’ll be in the afternoon after a committee meeting, so they’re working me to the wire, but I can’t wait.’
Since learning his trade as a pharmacist at Manchester University, graduating in 1976, Mr Freestone has worked for a number of institutions, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in East London, Great Ormond Street Hospital and King’s College Hospital.
‘I did some training in Birmingham too, then joined the NHS in London,’ he said.
‘It’s been really rewarding. I especially liked paediatrics, it was amazing to be a part of that – you learn how to work well in a team.’
Over the years he’s seen and experienced a lot in his role, including being shot at during a shift in London.
‘It was scary,’ he said.
‘Another colleague got shot with the .22 [calibre] air rifle. He was OK and it was, I guess, just all in a day’s work.
‘You just do the best you can to help people.’
He added that many things have changed over the years.
‘My role in Guernsey has been completely different to that in the UK,’ he said.
‘Here, I’ve helped with the medicines legislation and misuse of drugs and the commission, a mass of roles that in the UK are mostly dealt with by the Home Office.
‘Then there’s the recent change in law for cannabis – all I can say is for the person who is sat in my seat in six months’ time, they will need all the help they can get.
‘To do this job you need experience in management and technical services, things have become more specialised but you need to be able to know how to do all jobs.’
Mr Freestone said there were many proud moments from his 25 years’ service in Guernsey, including the redevelopment of the pharmacy in 2002 and introduction of the medicines law in 2008.
Since writing Christmas cards telling friends and family he’ll visit them next year, he now plans to do just that.
‘I have people to visit all over England,’ he said.
‘Then I’ve got holidays in Rome and Sicily.
‘It’s the first blank sheet of paper since I was 18 – the world is my oyster.’
