Maxine McCabe becomes first community pharmacist to earn Advance Practice credential

Her achievement shows that community pharmacists can take on advanced clinical roles and contribute to  wider pharmacy and multidisciplinary team

Maxine McCabe has made history as the first community pharmacist in the UK to be credentialed as a core advanced pharmacist by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) in Scotland.

Announcing McCabe's achieving, NHS Education for Scotland (NES) stated that this credential demonstrates her expertise across the four pillars of advanced practice: clinical, leadership and management, educating others and research.

Maxine has worked in the community pharmacy sector since qualifying as a pharmacist in 2008, consistently showing a keen interest in developing the wider pharmacy team and enhancing clinical services for the local patient population.

Throughout her career, she has managed various community pharmacies, including Boots and Parkhead Health Centre Pharmacy, where she played a crucial role in developing pharmacy practice and nurturing pharmacy support roles and trainee pharmacists.

In 2023, Maxine took on a part-time role as a Senior Educator in the Prescribing & Clinical Skills teams at NHS Education for Scotland (NES).  She continues to practice as a pharmacist, leading the Teach and Treat Training Hub at Burnside Pharmacy in Lanarkshire.

McCabe expressed her excitement about the recognition, saying, “I am delighted to obtain my Advanced Practice credential and showcase that this is achievable in community pharmacy.”

“It emphasises that community pharmacists are able to take on advanced clinical roles to support patients within their communities and contribute to the development of the wider pharmacy and multidisciplinary team.”

Professor Andrew Sturrock, NES Director of Pharmacy, praised McCabe’s achievement, stating, “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Maxine McCabe for her groundbreaking achievement.

“Her dedication to advancing community pharmacy and her role as an educator inspire us all. We look forward to witnessing the continued impact of her work on the pharmacy community and the patients it serves.”