Role Specific Training For Pharmacist Gamesmakers (From Bucks Free Press)

Role Specific Training For Pharmacist Gamesmakers

8:59pm Tuesday 10th July 2012 in Blogs By Sunita Gill

As the train pulled into the platform, my heart started to race.

Today I was going to meet some of the other medical gamesmakers.

All I could think about was what had inspired them?

How far had they travelled?

Why did they decide to volunteer?

The train journey flew by as I was immersed in thought.

When the train pulled into the station, I nervously took out my map. Within seconds I noticed another lady doing the same. As I walked towards her to introduce myself, two other gamesmakers approached me with an amiable smile. We sauntered across to the training venue. These were complete strangers and yet we shared our experiences so openly as if we innately knew we were all connected.

One gamesmaker I chatted to had just flown in from Germany to be here and was catching a flight back tomorrow morning. Considering she had to be back at University on Monday, this demonstrated her sheer determination. It was inspiring to hear their stories.

After going through the checking-in process at the training venue, we were rewarded with more sumptuous chocolate. I couldn’t help but smile clandestinely as I carefully selected my favourite treats.

We were offered light refreshments and snacks as we waited for all the games makers to arrive.

I couldn’t contain my smile as I entered the room. Desperately trying to remain outwardly calm yet full of excitement.

Pausing for a moment to absorb the energy from their glowing faces.

Energy that was filled with passion and dedication that resounded through the four walls. All I could hear was the chatter as gamesmakers shared their stories with each other. A short while later we were cordially directed to our relevant rooms and seated at a table.

It was wonderful to finally meet the medical leads in our specific areas. They wasted no time in getting the training off to a lively, informative and yet succinct start.

We were also coached about our hosting skills and the importance of ensuring that the spectators have a truly memorable experience.

After a short break we were then divided into even smaller groups.

This was an opportunity to be tested on the medical training packs that each of the pharmacy gamesmakers have had to complete.

We were given the opportunity to ask any questions or discuss any concerns we still had.

I was told more about the polyclinic site that I would be working from. Unfortunately it wasn’t at Eton Dorney as the name suggested but at The Royal Holloway University. This would mean a complete change to my travel plans. But never mind. I’m a pollyanna remember so I’ll be seeing it as a new adventure!

At the end of the training session we were rewarded with ‘Olympic pies’. If you excuse the pun it doesn’t mean they were gigantic in size. However they were extremely tasty and just what we needed to warm our stomachs before we began our journey home.

As we chatted at the platform there seemed to be an invisible alliance forming between us. I couldn’t help but feel secure in the sense that we were not alone. There would be support and further training available for any areas that we felt unsure about.

A few days later I received some emails from other pharmacist games makers living near to me.

It was great to be in contact with them and we are hoping to share our travel journeys, if our shifts are similar.

We will be obtaining our uniforms and passes soon.

As the months are drawing closer I will be rereading all my training material to ensure I am armed and ready for all eventualities!

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