Ask Your Pharmacist: When Learning Meets Public Good
What happens when students step out of the classroom and into the community?
What if universities didn’t just teach public health - they practiced it?
At the University of Lancashire, we’ve seen the answer first hand. Our Ask Your Pharmacist event where students deliver free Health Checks, isn’t just an annual tradition; it is a powerful example of how education can transform lives and meet a real public need.
This year’s event was our most successful yet. The atmosphere was electric - students eager to apply their skills, staff and members of the public curious and engaged, and a shared sense of purpose that united everyone. Over the course of the day, we carried out 271 health checks! Our academic team completed 60 consultations and referrals based on results. And when the crowds surged, something remarkable happened: students who had already finished their two-hour shifts volunteered to stay longer. That’s what commitment looks like.
Why does this matter?
Because public health isn’t just theory - it’s action. It’s conversations about blood pressure, cholesterol, lifestyle choices. It’s helping someone understand their results and what they mean. And for our Year 4 Pharmacy and Year 3 Biomedical Science students, it’s a chance to turn learning into impact. But here’s something even more important: people came because it was convenient and free. No waiting weeks for a GP appointment. No worrying about cost. Just walk in, get checked, and leave with advice that could change your life. For some, this was the first time they had their blood pressure or cholesterol checked. For others, it was the nudge they needed to take their health seriously. And the impact doesn’t stop at the event. Our team made referrals for follow-up care where needed, meaning these checks aren’t just a snapshot, they’re a gateway to better health. This is prevention in action, and it works.
The feedback says it all.
Students told us the event helped them connect theory to practice, sharpen their consultation skills, and build confidence. One wrote: “It was incredibly enjoyable and a great learning experience. Please kindly extend my gratitude to the whole PABS team and technicians who helped organise the event!” Attendees were equally enthusiastic: “The student was amazing. Her knowledge was impeccable, and she made me feel comfortable throughout.” “Really professional and friendly – explained everything thoroughly.” “Absolutely friendly, felt really comfortable throughout, very professional.” These aren’t just compliments - they’re proof that students can make a real difference when given the chance.
One of the most powerful aspects of Ask Your Pharmacist is the way it brings students together as a multidisciplinary team. Pharmacy and Biomedical Science students worked side by side, sharing knowledge and learning from each other’s expertise. This collaboration mirrors real-world healthcare practice, where patient care depends on professionals working together seamlessly. For students, it’s an invaluable experience—understanding different roles, communicating effectively across disciplines, and appreciating how teamwork leads to better outcomes. For the public, it means a richer, more holistic health check experience, with advice that draws on a broad base of knowledge.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible teamwork behind the scenes. From our School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences staff to the technicians, Estates, and caretaker teams, everyone played a part in making the day run smoothly. This was a true team effort, and it showed.
But here’s the big question.
Why should this only happen once a year? Public health isn’t a one-day need. Our vision is to expand Ask Your Pharmacist into a series of events, aiming for at least seven annually, we delivered several this year but want to increase that. More opportunities for students to learn. More chances for communities to benefit. More ways to unite education with public good.
And here’s where you come in. If you’re part of a university, a healthcare school, or a community organisation, ask yourself: Could your students gain from real-world engagement like this? Could your community benefit from free health checks and advice? Could you turn learning into impact? We believe the answer is yes. So let’s make it happen - together. Public health needs champions, and our students are ready to lead the way. The question is: will your institution join us?
If you’d like to learn more or explore collaboration, get in touch:
📧 Steven Seymour – Lecturer, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
Email: sseymour3@lancashire.ac.uk
📧 Ann Urmston – Senior Lecturer, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
Email: aurmston@lancashire.ac.uk
