Adam Somerville (he/him)
Resident pharmacist, President of the LGBT+ Network
Adam Somerville works as a resident hospital pharmacist in London. Adam has been a proud member of the PDA since starting their MPharm in 2018 and then joined the PDA LGBT+ Network upon registering as a pharmacist in 2023.
Adam said, “I’ve marched with the PDA LGBT+ Network at Manchester Pride, raising our network’s profile and showing the public that pharmacy is a diverse, inclusive, and empowering profession. I have also contributed to the network’s newsletter, sharing my experiences from a quality improvement project that increased awareness of antiretrovirals and HIV care among pharmacists. Through this, I helped introduce many pharmacy professionals to PrEP and PEP, vital services championed by the LGBT+ community, and helped advocate for their broader provision.
However, we all recognise that equality, diversity, and inclusion have faced significant challenges in the current political climate. I am highly motivated to help grow and strengthen the network through social events, skill-sharing opportunities, and professional networking. I believe this will build the momentum we need to empower each other and continue championing the causes we stand for.”
Dr Joshua Wells (he/him)
Medical Adviser for Boehringer Ingelheim, Honorary (HP) Lecturer for Kingston University, Vice President of the LGBT+ Network
Dr Joshua Wells has worked closely with the PDA LGBT+ Committee as a co-opted member for a few years and has contributed to the network’s portfolio of work in both an advisory and/or active role. Joshua recognises that now more than ever, visible and bold leadership is required not only for the pharmacy profession, but more widely for the LGBT+ community who face increasing discrimination and health inequalities both.
Joshua said, “I hope to bring a proactive and positive steer to the committee and wider network by engaging in frequent dialogue with members, raising the profile of our concerns, but also enhancing recognition of our expertise and experience, with a view to building on the incredible work already achieved since the inception of the network.
I would like to increase external engagement with agencies such as the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), pharmacy schools, and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS). I hope to build long-standing relationships that focus on inclusive education and awareness of LGBT+ health disparities in the UK, particularly with reference to transgender and gender-diverse communities, and the role of pharmacists in this space. I also aim to develop representation for LGBT+ health as an independent speciality and area of interest for pharmacy professionals in the UK.”
Amber Wynn (she/her)
Hospital pharmacist, Honorary Secretary of the LGBT+ Network
For the past 2 years, Amber has regularly attended NHS LGBT+ networking events and local events for their hospital at the Royal Cornwall Hospital. These events have opened up opportunities for collaborative working for Amber
Amber said, “With the current political climate affecting LGBT+ people in Britain, and particularly transgender people, I am eager to use my voice and expertise as a pharmacist to speak up for the community. Having seen the impact statements from other healthcare unions, such as the British Medical Association have had, I feel that working with the PDA LGBT+ Network will also have a great benefit for the community.
I am constantly keeping myself up to date with current issues affecting the LGBT+ community, such as the Cass Report. During my role of being a co-opted member of the PDA LGBT+ Committee, I have also given some suggestions to add to a statement by the PDA LGBT+ Network regarding our stances on the Cass Report and Sullivan Report. I am also keen to help represent the network at pharmacy conferences.”
Liam Volk (he/him)
Hospital pharmacist, Immediate Past President of the LGBT+ Network
Liam Volk (he/him) is the lead pharmacist for medicine and anticoagulation at North Devon District Hospital and he has been pushing for greater LGBT+ inclusion in his workplace. When Liam was on secondment as an Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration (EPMA) configuration analyst, he successfully implemented a coding change that ensured patient labels were representative of a patient’s gender identity, as opposed to the gender marker associated with their NHS number. Liam also has experience as a pharmacist in both community and hospital settings in England and Wales.
Liam said, “As the next President of the PDA LGBT+ Network, I’m seeking to continue the excellent work done by the previous committee and the membership at large. With it being a difficult time in this country for LGBT+ people, the pharmacy profession, and the health service in general, I believe it’s important to be a strong representative for LGBT+ pharmacists and our patients. I’m passionate in advocating for better healthcare for the LGBT+ community, including gender affirming care, inclusive sexual health services, and equal access to fertility treatment.”
Scott Rutherford (he/they)
Specialist Rotational Clinical Pharmacist, co-opted member of the LGBT+ Committee
Scott Rutherford (he/they) is a Specialist Rotational Clinical Pharmacist and co-opted member of the LGBT+ Network’s Committee. He was the first person to be elected as President of the LGBT+ Network in April 2021 and has worked on campaigns on inclusive education and gender-affirming care. Scott is also the PDA National Executive Committee Member for Students and Trainee Pharmacists.
Scott said, “I am proud of what the LGBT+ Network represents; a safe space for LGBT+ students, trainees, and pharmacists to share their experiences and work towards a more inclusive and equitable profession and healthcare system.”
Lauren Keatley-Hayes (she/they)
Clinical pharmacist, co-opted member of the LGBT+ Committee
Lauren Keatley-Hayes (she/they), is a clinical pharmacist in the North West and a co-opted member of the LGBT+ Committee. Prior to working in primary care, Lauren gained experience in both community and hospital pharmacy. Lauren believes that the connections between sectors are not very robust and so she would like to change this through guidance and training with primary care teams.
Lauren said, “I’m looking to make real changes for the world of pharmacy in the UK: to get pharmacists recognised for their role and hopefully help to improve some guidance and practices in order to make a positive impact for the patient experience. I have an especially good knowledge of women’s health and have had many opportunities to broaden my skills. I have a particular interest in improving the care of trans and non-binary patients.”
Soh Xi Ken (he/him)
Specialist clinical pharmacist, co-opted member of the LGBT+ Committee
Ken is a specialist clinical pharmacist in Scotland. Ken has done previous work with the committee to improve LGBT+ inclusive education within the MPharm programme. Ken was a recipient of the Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) Equality Award. Ken is currently an active workplace representative and has interest in intersectional work within Equalities.
Ken said, “I hope we are able to increase much-needed representation, and visibility and create a safe space for not just LGBT+ pharmacists, pharmacy students, and trainees, but ultimately patients as well.”
Anjlee Shah (she/her)
Community pharmacist and co-opted member of the PDA LGBT+ Committee
Anjlee is a community pharmacist and enjoys working in a public-facing role and engaging patients with the many services on offer, ensuring these are easily accessible to all. Anjlee is a co-opted member of the PDA LGBT+ Committee, and one of her main reasons for joining is that she wants pharmacies and pharmacy teams to be truly inclusive and respectful of all people. Anjlee wants pharmacies to be seen as a safe space for patients where they can be comfortable to be their true selves. Anjlee Shah is also part of the PDA’s NEC as the first Assistant General Secretary (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion).
Get Involved
- Follow the PDA LGBT+ Pharmacists’ Network on social media using the hashtag #PDAlgbt
- For more information about the PDA LGBT+ Network, click here.
- If you would like to get involved with the network and its activities, please email: [email protected].
JOIN THE PDA LGBT+ NETWORK TODAY
Pharmacists, pharmacy students, and trainee pharmacits can join the PDA now.