A celebration of disability

By Arthur Williams, OBE, FRPharmS. 

In 1955 I became a registered pharmacist after passing the Pharmaceutical Chemist examination.

Shortly after, I began two years of National Service for the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC), serving in the UK and Cyprus as a pharmacist. Following my discharge I entered the hospital pharmaceutical service, a profession I served in for 40 years in England and Scotland.

I studied at the School of Pharmacy at the then Leicester College of Art and Technology under the late, great Colin Gunn and his brilliant deputy, Sydney Carter. The subjects we studied included Pharmacognosy and practical dispensing. These seem rather archaic today but we were taught the important principles of accuracy and attention to detail. I loved my work, but was always sustained by my family life and the love of my wife and our two children. I have been blessed with a long and happy life, some 91 years, and a wonderful marriage, 61 years and counting.

I began my hospital career in 1957 at Manchester Royal Infirmary, a very busy teaching hospital. This was an interesting time in the development of drug therapy as we were still dispensing drugs that would have been seen as rather basic by today’s standards. Inorganic chemicals, plant products and some organic compounds were commonplace but only a small range of antibiotics were available. The vast range of complex drugs we know today were just beginning to emerge from the laboratories of “big Pharma.”

In those far off days the main emphasis of our work was concerned with the product, ensuring it was fit for purpose. It was not until 1970 that The Department of Health recognised the value of a more clinically based service. The increasing complexity of drug therapy required a greater emphasis on the safe and effective management of medicines at all stages of the patient's therapy. Although patient care was always at the core of what we did, pharmacists became increasingly involved in more direct interaction with patients, specifically providing services that met the needs of the individual. As a consequence, the needs of older people were given more consideration.

Not all older people have disabilities but sadly, as the population ages, disabilities become more prevalent and this can result in difficulties in managing medicines. In 1979 I carried out a project designed to explore the role of the pharmacist in helping older people to gain the full benefits of their drug therapy. My work was published and it attracted considerable interest within the pharmaceutical sector. Many of the problems experienced by older people related to basic issues, such as the packaging and labelling of their medicine; difficulty in reading labels and opening containers were also found to create difficulties.

A particular problem identified was the use of eye drops, which applied to patients across the age spectrum. Squeezing the container and aiming the drops into the eye was the main cause of difficulty. I initiated work on a multidisciplinary basis, involving clinical, academic and industrial colleagues to help deal with this issue. Eventually a device called Opticare was brought to market, providing a tangible benefit to many patients. A similar device was also created to help people with disabilities.

I retired from my work in pharmacy in 1996, enjoying good health for a number of years. Sadly, over the past few years I developed peripheral neuropathy, which has resulted in a significant loss of mobility. My transition from a provider of health care to a consumer of health care has not been easy. I hope my career in medicine shows that I was not oblivious to the needs of older and disabled people. Yet, my affliction has changed my life and has brought home to me a range of issues that I was not previously aware of when developing medicine. Initially my response to my condition was rather negative and the pandemic added to a sense of some despair. However, thanks to the support of my wife, family and NHS services I began to see the way forward.

By being less physically active I have had more time to devote to other pursuits, notably writing articles for our parish magazine. This work felt worthwhile and also helped to restore my confidence. Additionally, a whole new world opened up as I acquired various mobility aids, including a ‘rollator’ and an electrically powered scooter. These aids have allowed me to really celebrate this aspect of my disability, and the kindness and help I receive when on my shopping forays is truly remarkable, and deeply appreciated.

Joining the local Stroke Club has also given me the opportunity to socialise and share experiences. Older and disabled people should be celebrated for their deep knowledge and experience. This is often much more valuable than individuals may think. The opportunity “to make a difference” should also be taken whenever possible. In my case I welcomed the opportunity to join the panel of The Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC). This highly respected organisation undertakes research on behalf of disabled consumers on a wide range of practical issues.

Whilst disabilities present many problems, the opportunities that can arise should be celebrated. If you are over the age of 65 or consider yourself disabled in some way (including through age or living with a disabling condition) think about sharing your experiences via the RiDC panel too. For more information call 020 7427 2460.