Meet Shahbaz Ashraf, Clinical Informatics Service Lead

Why I chose to become a pharmacist

My decision to become a pharmacist was deeply personal. Growing up, I supported close family members living with bipolar affective disorder and dementia. Witnessing the impact of medicines, both their potential and their limitations, sparked a desire to understand how they could be used more safely and effectively. Pharmacy offered a path where I could combine scientific knowledge with compassionate care, particularly in mental health.

My journey so far

Over the past decade, I’ve worked exclusively in secondary care and mental health services. My journey began as a hospital pharmacist and has evolved into a leadership role that bridges clinical practice with digital transformation. As Medicines Management Clinical Informatics Service Lead at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, I’ve led the rollout of digital prescribing systems, developed real-time dashboards to improve medicines safety, and contributed to national research through anonymised pharmacy datasets. I’m a qualified independent prescriber, Clinical Safety Officer, and an advanced FEDIP-accredited practitioner.

Areas I've worked in

My experience spans inpatient wards, community mental health teams, and digital infrastructure programmes. I also contribute to strategic groups ensuring digital tools align with clinical priorities and national safety guidance.