Darren Anthony Powell (Community Pharmacist)
I have spent most of my career based in community pharmacy before pursuing other roles, including technology and digital health care, but I still retain a direct link with my community pharmacy practice. I have experience of working at local, regional, and national levels and I am keen to utilise the knowledge, skills, and passion I have for community pharmacy to ensure that the profession and the professionals, specifically in community, are represented and given the support and advice they need in the rapidly changing sector.
Hafsah Anwar (Early career pharmacist and Chair of the North England Regional Committee)
I’m an early-career pharmacist with experience across community, primary care and academia, giving me a broad view of the pressures colleagues face on the frontline. Having worked in fast-paced and often isolating settings, I understand the realities behind workload, responsibility and workplace culture. I joined the PDA Union because I want pharmacists, especially those early in their careers, to feel supported, represented and treated fairly. I bring a fresh perspective and a genuine commitment to listening to members and turning their concerns into practical action. I’m motivated, reliable and ready to contribute positively to the region.
Jahn Khan (Locum pharmacist)
Jay Badenhorst (locum pharmacist and co-opted regional committee member)
I have worked as a pharmacist for over 20 years, beginning my career in South Africa before establishing myself in the UK across community pharmacy, management, and senior leadership roles. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about supporting both patients and the pharmacy profession, and I have held a number of representative and leadership positions at regional and national level.
I became involved with the PDA Union and the reps network because I strongly believe pharmacists need an independent voice, workplace protection, and professional support. Having worked closely with pharmacists across different sectors, I have seen the challenges colleagues face in practice and the importance of strong representation. Being part of the PDA Union Reps Network allows me to support fellow pharmacists, promote fair treatment in the workplace, and help strengthen the profession for the future.
Jayesh Ladva (Pharmacist)
I have worked in pharmacy for over 21 years, gaining experience across hospital, community, supermarket, and pharmacy automation sectors. This breadth of experience has given me a strong understanding of the challenges faced by pharmacists across different areas of practice.
As part of the first PDA Union Network established at Boots, I represented the views of around 7,000 pharmacists and trainees at the time of recognition. In my role, I sit on the Joint Consultative Committee, contributing to discussions on key workplace issues, including health and safety. I also act as a workplace representative, supporting members through grievance and disciplinary matters and helping to resolve workplace issues.
I have been involved with the PDA since my student years and remain committed to its values of protecting and supporting pharmacists. I currently serve on both the PDA Regional Committee and the National Executive Committee, where I contribute to discussions that shape the union’s direction and priorities.
I am passionate about strengthening our collective voice and ensuring pharmacists are fairly represented, protected, and empowered at every stage of their careers.
Learn more about Jayesh here.
Louise Hemmings (Advanced Clinical Pharmacist)
I am an Advanced Clinical Pharmacist specialising in oncology, with over 15 years’ experience working across multiple hospital trusts. I have been a member of the Pharmacists’ Defence Association Union and an active committee member since qualifying.
I am committed to representing both myself and my colleagues, ensuring our voices are heard and that meaningful improvements are achieved within the profession. While much of the focus within pharmacy can be on community practice, I am passionate about strengthening representation for hospital pharmacists, recognising the distinct challenges and opportunities within our sector.
In particular, I am keen to support the continued growth of PDA Union presence across hospital trusts, especially following its recognition within the NHS, and to help build a stronger, more connected network of hospital-based members.
Nahim Khan (GP, Community, and Academia Pharmacist)
I have worked in all the major sectors of pharmacy, including hospital (both general and mental health) and industry. Past experience also includes being a full-time community locum.
I currently work in GP practice, community pharmacy and academia.
I’m interesting improving the lives of pharmacists and my experience puts me in a unique position to understand the challenges faced by pharmacists.
Sachin Tammewar (IP pharmacist)
Experienced and forward-thinking pharmacist with over 20 years in the profession, including 10 years in primary care as an independent prescribing pharmacist. Proven track record across community, hospital, and industry settings, with a strong clinical focus on pain management and lipid disorders.
Owner and director of a small chain of independent pharmacies in the Yorkshire region, combining entrepreneurial insight with excellence in patient-centered care. Experienced in implementing medicines optimisation programmes, multidisciplinary collaboration, and developing evidence-based prescribing strategies.
I got involved with the PDA Union and the Reps Network because I believe pharmacists need a strong, collective voice to ensure our profession continues to develop in a supportive and fair environment. Having worked across community, hospital, and primary care settings, I’ve seen first-hand the pressures pharmacists face and the importance of advocating for safe workloads, professional recognition, and patient safety. The PDA Union aligns with my values of fairness, integrity, and accountability within pharmacy practice. Through the Reps Network, I can actively support colleagues, listen to their concerns, and help influence positive change at both local and national levels. It provides an opportunity to contribute my experience to improving workplace culture, strengthening professional standards, and ensuring pharmacists are empowered to deliver high-quality care. Being part of this network allows me to give back to a profession that has shaped my career for over two decades.
Waqas Khan (community pharmacist)
I have worked as a community pharmacist for almost 8 years, in roles ranging from Pharmacist Manager and Dual-Site Pharmacist to leading a vaccination clinic during the height of the pandemic. I am now an independent prescriber, continuing to expand my clinical practice through the National Upskilling Programme.
I have been a member of the PDA Union since I qualified and have seen first-hand how it exists solely to represent the best interests of pharmacists. Collectively, we can achieve far more than we can on our own. Being part of the union ensures that pharmacists have a strong voice, practical support, and the reassurance needed to practise safely and make the right decisions for our patients. I’ve been told by colleagues that working in community pharmacy can feel isolating and that made me think. It showed me that many people are not fully aware of what the union can offer, especially once it is recognised.
Being involved in the PDA Union and Reps Network allows me to be that voice, offering a listening ear and practical support whenever it is needed. I am passionate about making sure pharmacists feel backed, represented, and able to practise safely, especially as community pharmacy evolves from a dispensing-focused role to a service-based clinical one.
Wesley Artist (Hospital Pharmacist, North west)
After being an active student member of the PDA and BPSA, since graduating I have continued to support pharmacists, particularly in the hospital sector, through my work with the PDA Union. I’m now an independent prescriber and the clinical trials lead pharmacist in an NHS tertiary care oncology centre in the north west of England.
Being elected to represent and support pharmacists in the union gives me great satisfaction and motivates me to keep fighting for individuals and the profession to continually develop into new and exciting roles, particularly where my passion lies in the hospital sector.
Get in touch
The North Regional Committee meets regularly to discuss pharmacy within the region. They would like to hear your views on pharmacy, and you can get in touch by emailing [email protected] with insights and comments on general issues. Individual concerns should be directed to the PDA Member Support Centre for advice.