DEDICATED Stourbridge pharmacist Dr Janine Barnes is known for going the extra mile to help patients.

She has spent the past eight years working for the Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for Stourbridge Health and Social Care Centre, next door to Corbett Outpatients Centre in Amblecote.

Janine, from Oldswinford, specialises in helping Parkinson's sufferers manage their condition as part of the community neurology team and is quite prepared to work late into the night and over weekends.

She said: "I do a great deal outside of my role - because I find it really rewarding, especially when it prevents patients from having to go to hospital."

Pharmacists are often the unsung heroes of the NHS. Apart from dispensing medicines, they also work alongside GPs, nurses, hospital and care home staff to provide expert advice.

Janine's contribution has now been recognised and she is now in the running to win the 'I Love My Pharmacist' Award.

She is among 23 pharmacists short-listed for the regional finals covering the Midlands and East district and she said : "I am determined to continue raising awareness and knowledge of Parkinson's.

"There is so much about the disease that people are unaware of so educating them is vital.

"The additional service that I run outside of my working hours can often avoid the need for a clinic appointment and my input has been instrumental in keeping many struggle patients out of hospital."

To vote for Janine, go to www.ilovemypharmacist.co.uk.

The pharmacist in each of the six regions with the most votes at the end of July 21 will be declared a regional winner and will go forward for the national award.