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Our Pharmacists

Nigel Howard - independent Prescriber

Nigel Howard

Independant Prescriber
GPhc Number 2047450


Email: nigel.howard1@nhs.net

About:
Nigel Howard is a highly experienced pharmacist who qualified in 1997 after completing his Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Bath. With a diverse career spanning multiple sectors, he has worked in community pharmacy, hospital settings, and GP surgeries, gaining a wealth of knowledge across various healthcare environments. For many years, Nigel successfully owned and operated his own independent community pharmacy, where he played a pivotal role in addressing local patient needs and providing expert advice on medication

Experience

1997: Graduated from the University of Bath with a Pharmacy Degree.

2004-2019: Pharmacist - Ticehurst Chemist

2019 – 2023: Retrained in Hospital pharmaceutical care

2023-Present: Prescribing Lead - Belmont Surgery Wadhurst

2025: Happy Pharmacy - Independent Prescriber

Roles & Responsibilities

Digital Healthcare Delivery

Working within Happy Pharmacy’s digital-first model, Nigel plays a vital role in delivering accessible and convenient healthcare services. He conducts virtual consultations promptly and confidentially, managing a variety of conditions through online platforms. This approach allows patients to receive expert advice and treatment without needing to visit a GP or clinic in person. Nigel ensures that all care provided digitally meets the same high clinical and regulatory standards as traditional consultations, while maintaining patient privacy and safety.

Clinical Governance & Regulatory Compliance

Nigel strictly adheres to all relevant clinical and regulatory guidelines in his prescribing role. He follows the standards set by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and other professional bodies. Nigel prescribes only within his area of competence, consistently applying best practices to safeguard patient health. He participates in clinical audits and contributes to Happy Pharmacy’s quality assurance processes, keeping his knowledge up to date with the latest clinical guidelines, alerts, and safety notices.

Collaborative Working

Although Nigel often conducts independent consultations, he is an integral part of the multidisciplinary team at Happy Pharmacy. He works closely with pharmacy technicians and dispensers to resolve clinical queries and ensure safe medication supply. When necessary, Nigel liaises with GPs, NHS services, or specialist clinicians to coordinate care beyond the pharmacy’s scope. He also plays a key role in developing and implementing new clinical services, helping Happy Pharmacy expand and innovate in response to patient needs.

Education & Development

Committed to excellence, Nigel actively pursues Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain and enhance his clinical skills and prescribing competence. He undertakes regular training on condition-specific treatments, digital consultation best practices, prescribing safety, and regulatory updates. Nigel also engages in reflective practice, peer discussions, and case reviews, embodying Happy Pharmacy’s commitment to safe, effective, and accountable patient care.

Scope of Services

Nigel provides expert prescribing support across a range of treatment areas, including weight management, hair loss, skin conditions, sexual health, and minor infections. His prescribing portfolio often includes medicines such as Mounjaro for weight loss, finasteride and minoxidil for hair loss, and other prescription-only therapies tailored to individual patient needs. He is also involved in preventative healthcare services, including travel health advice, vaccinations, and proactive medicine management.

Specialist Areas

Nigel specialises in pain treatment and opioid reduction.

Qualifications & Memberships

Pharmacy Degree: University of Bath (Qualified 1997)

Membership of general pharmaceutical council: 1997 - GPhC page

Multidisciplinary vocational 2 year training Masters level post graduate qualification: 2022

CPPE GP Primary care pharmacy education pathway: 2024