The beating heart of PHP are our fantastic team members.
They make everything run smoothly behind the scenes so we can provide our patients with unparalleled service.
This week, we sat down with Sohail Mansoor: PHP’s Certified Pharmacy Technician and Biologic Team Leader – and Steve Spencer: our National Business Development Manager.
Let’s dive in…
Building strong relationships: essential for PHP
Steve begins by telling us about his role as National Business Development Manager, and how the job comes with a responsibility to forge strong relationships with all PHP’s customers.
He firmly believes honesty and integrity are key, and adds that when dealing with people, it’s important to be transparent and ethical – as the service PHP offers is diverse and often complex.
The other main reason for good, clear communication is that the homecare market has changed immeasurably in the last decade. Steve says “10 years ago, it was a very paper-driven business, but more and more we're moving into the digital age”.
Sohail: PHP’s Certified Pharmacy Technician and Biologic Team Leader tells us that alongside all of this, listening skills are an integral part of building solid relationships – especially given his role in educating current team members. He also adds that the ability to adapt to quickly changing circumstances is essential, too.
PHP’s commitment to successful service development
Streamlining customer services and ensuring excellent patient outcomes is something that Steve feels passionate about – particularly as PHP works closely with the NHS to provide outstanding homecare.
Sohail agrees and adds he is extremely proud that his team is currently providing support to over 10,000 patients – all achieved with superb training and the right resources being put in place.
He reckons that this has been further enhanced by PHP’s bespoke software system, which links them directly to the NHS – and means the care the team provides is fully joined up.
Chatting about career achievements
Sohail has been with us for almost six years now and his journey is one of grit and hard work. He started, in his own words, as “a humble packer” in the pharmacy but was determined to achieve his ambitions.
Over the next four years, Sohail studied the Level 2 and Level 3 Pharmacy Technician courses. Having gained those (and leadership management qualifications from Hamilton Mercer) he has risen to become our Biologic Team Leader with aplomb.
Sohail candidly admits there were personal challenges along the way – missing time with his loved ones, welcoming a new baby into his growing family – and the sadness of his beloved mother having a stroke, but his perseverance paid off.
He pays particular tribute to Mohammed and Bushra Sheikh for their “unwavering support” and gives special mention to Sophia Suleman: PHP’s Superintendent Pharmacist, who offered sincere guidance and belief in his abilities.
“My journey doesn't end here” Sohail says “With newfound confidence and determination, I am poised to elevate myself to the next level in the pharmacy industry.” We’ve every faith in Sohail, too.
And Steve? Although he has only been with PHP since November 2023, he brings with him a wealth of experience in healthcare business management and an impressive CV – which he is already putting to good use. We know that he’ll be a real asset to the team.
The PHP work/life balance
Something many of us don’t take as seriously as we should.
In terms of work life, Steve again brings up the topic of honesty and transparency – and stresses the importance of letting people know if your workload is too much, or that you’re feeling anxious. While working days can still be long from time to time, room to breathe is essential.
Sohail says the two things he takes as non-negotiables for a great work/life balance are “Lunch with my missus, and practising mindfulness”.
Away from the action at PHP, both men love keeping fit. Steve has completed a triathlon and the London and Plymouth Marathons, and Sohail’s exercise therapy is the gym. He finds training there five or six days a week helps him to unwind.
Other interests?
Well, Sohail has an eye for antiques – particularly collecting Royal Doulton glassware and antique coins. Steve is a keen fisherman. One of his proud achievements is getting his young daughter involved in the hobby and finding she loved it: “She caught more fish than me!” Don’t worry, Steve – we won’t tell anyone…
Keep your eyes peeled for more chats with our team.
