University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Cathrine McKenzie, an honorary consultant pharmacist in critical care at the University of Southampton, has been appointed to the “first full professorial role for a pharmacist in intensive care in the UK”, according to the University Hospital Southampton (UHS) NHS Foundation Trust.
McKenzie, who has worked in intensive care for over 30 years, recently took up the role and will focus on delivering new advances in pharmacy for intensive care patients.
“Over the next five years, I would like to lead a multiple site randomised controlled trial into intravenous thiamine for prevention and treatment for delirium in the intensive care unit [ICU]. I also wish to focus on deprescribing and reducing polypharmacy in the ICU,” she said.
McKenzie added that she plans to remain as chair of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine’s (ESICM) pharmacology and pharmacotherapy section until the end of 2026.
“I am working with medical, nursing and pharmacy colleagues on a position paper for clinical pharmacy in ICU with ESICM,” she said.
“I am passionate about engaging pharmacy professionals in research.”
McKenzie also intends to grow the research culture at the UHS NHS Foundation Trust along with her colleagues.
While Richard Bourne was appointed the UK’s first honorary professor in critical care pharmacy in May 2025, McKenzie holds the distinction as the UK’s first full professor in intensive care pharmacy.
In addition, McKenzie will continue in her role as editor-in-chief of Critical Illness, published by Pharmaceutical Press.
“This is a world-leading resource that seeks to ensure dynamic, evidenced-based prescribing in intensive care,” she said.
Commenting on her role as a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s (RPS) science and research committee, McKenzie told The Pharmaceutical Journal: “I thank the RPS for their ongoing support, and I look forward to continue to work with our Society… as they transition into the Royal College of Pharmacy to promote and encourage research in pharmacy professionals for the benefits of our patients and public.”
Claire Anderson, president of the RPS, said: “I’d like to offer my warmest congratulations to Professor McKenzie on her appointment. This highlights the increasing research and clinical leadership of pharmacists within critical care.
“Professor McKenzie’s work demonstrates the significant impact pharmacy can have on patient care and the advancement of the profession through research and collaboration.”
