By Manpreet Randhawa, Associate Director of Pharmacy at Whipps Cross University Hospital, Barts Health, London

When I stepped into my senior role at Whipps Cross, it was just a month before the pandemic hit. I had no idea what was coming — none of us did. I was prepared to lead on strategy, operations, and performance but I wasn’t prepared for the emotional toll the pandemic would take on my team, or on me.

I saw it up close: the exhaustion, the anxiety, the quiet moments when someone would hold it together just long enough to get through a shift. Being efficient and effective wasn’t enough. People needed to feel safe, supported, and seen. That’s when it cemented that workplace culture isn’t just about productivity, it’s about wellbeing.

Training as a Mental Health First Aider

After the pandemic, I trained as a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) so I could offer practical support. Since then, I’ve had staff open up to me about being overwhelmed by both work and life. One colleague, in particular, came to me at breaking point. I listened, reassured them, encouraged them to take time off, and shared some coping strategies, like reconnecting with activities that brought them joy, such as walking or catching up with a friend.  A week later, they told me that conversation was a turning point.

That’s the power of MHFA. It’s not about being a therapist or an expert.  It’s not about having all the answers, it’s about giving space and time to be heard. It’s about noticing when someone’s struggling, listening without judgment, and guiding them toward the right support. At Barts Health, we’re fortunate to have access to clinical psychologists and regular one-to-one support sessions. That kind of infrastructure makes a real difference — it signals that mental health is a priority, not an afterthought.

Why it matters in hospital pharmacy

In acute hospital Pharmacy, the pressure is relentless. There’s little room for error, and that constant vigilance can lead to burnout and anxiety. MHFA helps us spot the signs early and intervene before things spiral. But it’s not always easy. Supporting others can be emotionally demanding, which is why peer support for MHFAs is so important too.

Challenging stigma and changing the culture

There are still myths to bust. Some people think MHFA is overwhelming or that you need to be a mental health expert. You don’t. You just need to care, to listen, and to understand your boundaries.  We still have work to do to reduce the stigma around mental health. We need to shift from crisis response to prevention that starts with making mental health and wellbeing part of everyday conversations, not just something we address when things go wrong.

As a wellbeing champion at Barts Health, I try to lead by example. I want my team to know, not just through words, but through actions, that mental health matters in our department. That this is a safe space. That we look out for each other. Because when we do, we all thrive.

Mental Health First Aid Training in England, Scotland and Wales

Pharmacist Support – the profession’s charity – can also provide help and advice.

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