A WARRINGTON pharmacist has returned from a “once in a lifetime” experience” helping at the London 2012 Paralympics Games.
Jimmy Cheung, a pharmacist in the Medicines Management Team at Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust, was one of 100 pharmacists from across the UK chosen to work in the health clinic at the Athletes Village at Stratford.
The father-of-two from Stockton Heath was chosen from over 1,400 pharmacists who applied for the role.
Jimmy said: “One of my core responsibilities was to ensure that any medicines prescribed for the athletes were safe for them to take, with regards to the strict doping controls, and there were a number of special training days I had to complete in preparation for the role.
“My first shift finally began on 24th August, just days before the Paralympics Games were opened. Many of the athletes and their teams had already started to arrive so the atmosphere was just amazing. Everyone was just really excited to be there.”
The team were responsible for supplying medical aid to the athletes, their teams and to other staff and volunteers on site.
He explains, “The athletes came to the pharmacy for advice and treatment on all sorts of injuries and ailments, and medicines we were commonly prescribing included antibiotics, dressings, catheter-related appliances, and emollients for limb amputees.
“Language sometimes proved to be a barrier, but luckily an interpreter was never too far away!”
He said he was impressed by how the athletes had overcome all sorts of disabilities to achieve their potential. He said it was fulfilling to be part of their lives during a crucial time in their careers.
Jimmy at the Olympic Village’s Pharmacy
