LloydsPharmacy has appointed Victoria Steele to replace outgoing Steve Howard as superintendent pharmacist, McKesson UK has announced.

Ms Steele, a qualified pharmacist since 2000, will be the first female superintendent pharmacist in the company's history.

She joined LloydsPharmacy’s parent company McKesson in 2011 and is currently deputy superintendent and head of clinical governance.

Ms Steele said: ‘I am delighted to accept this new challenge and carry on the great work that Steve has achieved. I hope to use my passion for patient safety, professionalism and safeguarding to continue providing patients with the best possible care as well as encouraging good pharmacists to become great pharmacists.

‘I look forward to helping guide the business through this challenging time with our patients’ interests at the core of everything we do.’

Toby Anderson, the CEO of McKesson UK, congratulated Ms Steele on her new appointment both ‘for the opportunity it presents for her as an individual, and as the first female superintendent pharmacist in LloydsPharmacy’s history’.

He added: ‘Victoria has played an integral role in the business’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on getting medicines to patients safely and the health and welfare of our colleagues.

‘Her knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for the profession will be incredibly valuable in such a pivotal year for pharmacy.’

Alongside her role at McKesson UK, Ms Steele is also vice-chair of the Company Chemists’ Association’s community pharmacy patient safety group and professional practice group.