A pharmacist from Epping Forest has been selected to join a “ground-breaking new initiative” aimed at improving care for NHS patients.

This week it was announced that Anurita Rohilla, chief pharmacist for the West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group, will join the Q Initiative, run by the NHS and independent charity the Health Foundation.

As part of the scheme she will collaborate with 230 NHS colleagues from around the country to share ideas and introduce changes aimed at improving care for patients.

The NHS claims the initiative will "boost the skills of its individual participants, but also encourage a nurturing of talent and sharing of innovation and passion".

She said: “It is very exciting to be part of the Q Initiative given the opportunity it presents to learn and share ideas with local and national partners to improve care for people in west Essex.

“The programme will further enhance the work we are already doing to encourage people to take control of their medication by understanding what it is for, how to use it, what the possible side effects are and who to approach for support if they need it.”