In The Spotlight - Shahila Zia
People are at the centre of everything we do. Those who work at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board make a difference to people’s lives every single day.
Each month, the In The Spotlight campaign shines a light on the different people who make up Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, from those who support behind the scenes, to those who have passions that led them to work in their role.
As an organisation with over 17,000 colleagues, the campaign will highlight the variety of roles, teams and individuals across the health board. Working in the NHS can be life-changing, both for colleagues and for the patients they help.
Shahila Zia is a Senior ePMA Pharmacy Technician, based at the Pharmacy in University Hospital of Wales. Shahila has been part of the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board team for 18 years and has recently taken on a new challenge by joining the project rolling out the Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration (ePMA) system. The initiative will replace paper drug charts at bedsides with a safer and more efficient digital system for prescribing and administering medicines.
“I take great pride in being part of the ePMA team,” says Shahila. “I play a key role in training and supporting healthcare professionals to ensure a seamless transition to electronic prescribing, where digital devices will replace paper drug charts across our hospital sites.”
With 30 years’ experience as a pharmacy technician, including 24 years at ward level, Shahila is excited about the multiple benefits of the new system. “Seeing how ePMA enhances prescribing safety, reduces medication errors, and improves workflow is incredibly rewarding,” she explains.
“My passion for medication safety, digital transformation, and optimising patient care drove me to take on this role. Having worked closely with patients and multidisciplinary teams for over two decades, I saw first-hand the challenges of traditional prescribing and the need for a more efficient and safer system.
“ePMA provides a solution that enhances prescribing accuracy and supports healthcare professionals in delivering high-quality care. Being able to contribute to this advancement and directly impact patient safety is what inspires me every day.”
Shahila’s role involves developing quick user guides and e-learning materials to support staff to use the new system efficiently and confidently. She says: “My extensive ward-level experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges faced by healthcare staff. I am actively involved in launching ePMA on the renal wards, where I will provide hands-on training and direct support, to ensure a smooth transition for both staff and patients. This work not only benefits healthcare professionals but also has a significant impact on patient care and outcomes.”
Outside of work, Shahila has a passion for teaching and mentoring. She volunteers teaches children aged 10-12. She says: “This experience has strengthened my ability to communicate complex information in a clear and engaging manner—a skill that directly benefits my role in training staff on ePMA. It allows me to adapt my approach to different learning styles and ensure that staff feel confident using the system.
“With three decades of experience as a pharmacy technician, I have witnessed the evolution of pharmacy services and adapted to technological advancements to continuously improve patient care.
“The upcoming launch of ePMA on the renal will be a key milestone, requiring extensive collaboration and problem-solving. I remain committed to continuous learning and development to further enhance pharmacy services and patient care.”
Hear more about how we are putting people first in the Shaping Our Future Wellbeing strategy by visiting the webpage here: Home - Shaping our Future Wellbeing.
Read about other roles and colleagues who have been 'In the Spotlight' here.