Pharmacy Bodies Pledge To Work As One On White Paper

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 09 Sep 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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The principal bodies representing the Pharmacy sector have agreed to ensure that the opportunities presented by the White Paper Pharmacy in England: Building on strengths - delivering the future become a reality.

The five bodies have put on the record a commitment to work together to deliver the best possible range of high quality services for the ultimate benefit of patients and the public in England.

The AIMp, CCA, NPA, PSNC, and RPSGB have already identified the work streams required to secure delivery for each element of the action plan listed within the White Paper.

The five organisations have received the support of the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Dr Keith Ridge, and all parties will now work towards creating a suitable framework for collaboration.

Rob Darracott, Chief Executive of the CCA and AIMp, said: "The most significant White Paper for community pharmacy in England for a generation required a significant response from pharmacy. The CCA and AIMp are delighted to be part of this joint initiative and we look forward, with colleagues, to turning this vision into a reality, for pharmacists and pharmacy and, most importantly, for patients."

John Turk, NPA Chief Executive, said: "There is much to welcome in the pharmacy White Paper, not least a clear direction of travel for community pharmacy in England. A shared understanding and agreement of the future of pharmacy has lead to a common sense of purpose by the pharmacy bodies. This will now be translated into actions that will ensure the whole sector feels the benefit of the sum of the bodies working collaboratively together. I have mandated the NPA to play its part in full as an active partner in this collaborative enterprise"

Sue Sharpe, Chief Executive of the PSNC, said: "Implementation of the service development proposals in the White Paper would revolutionise the role of community pharmacy in providing support to patients and customers. We have an unprecedented opportunity, and I am delighted that we are all committed to working together."

Jeremy Holmes, Chief Executive & Registrar of the RPSGB, said: "The White Paper will shape the future of modern pharmacy services and it is important for the profession to speak with a united voice. This is our chance to show government and patients that extended pharmacy services can add real value to healthcare."

Dr Keith Ridge, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for England, said: "It is very encouraging that these bodies have taken this initiative. It reflects the industry's enthusiasm to speak and act on core issues together and to promote community pharmacy's role as a key provider of primary care. Collaborative working will be vital to ensure the successful implementation of many of the proposals contained in the White Paper and I look forward to working together constructively and coherently to deliver the highest quality community pharmacy services to people."

National Pharmacy Association