Pharmacists urged to step up to influence NHS reform in new roundtable

At The Pharmacist’s latest roundtable, participants called on pharmacy professionals to take a more active role in leadership and advocacy to ensure the sector is represented effectively across the healthcare system.

The event brought together five pharmacy leaders to take a deep dive into leadership. Their discussion explored how pharmacists can be instrumental in shaping the profession’s future, strengthening its voice within NHS structures and decision-making forums.

A key message from the participants of the online event was that leadership in pharmacy should not be confined to formal titles or senior roles. Instead, pharmacists working across all settings were urged to recognise the influence they can have at local, regional and national level.

Developing strong representation requires individuals to engage with local and national initiatives, build relationships with stakeholders and actively promote the value of pharmacy services. This includes taking opportunities to participate in committees, professional networks and system-level discussions.

The Pharmacist’s editor, Victoria Vaughan, said: ‘This roundtable really is a call to action for pharmacists to feel empowered to ensure their voices are heard at the highest levels.

‘With more expectations and pressure being applied to the sector - without the funding to match it - it’s really up to pharmacists to get involved to shape the changes being pushed for by central government, such as a move to neighbourhood healthcare.

‘This event is in support of our Community Pharmacy and General Practice conference, taking place in Birmingham on 21-22 June, which will bring pharmacy and general practice together to learn, network and collaborate.’   

The discussion highlighted ongoing challenges around fragmented representation, with delegates warning that a lack of coordination can limit the profession’s ability to influence policy and commissioning decisions. A more unified and proactive approach was seen as essential to ensure pharmacy is recognised as a key partner in delivering patient care.

Participants also emphasised the importance of advocacy - both at grassroots and organisational level - to ensure policymakers and healthcare leaders understand the full contribution that pharmacy can make.

They also encouraged pharmacists to develop leadership skills through training, mentorship and practical experience.

The Pharmacist roundtables examine the core issues facing the profession across community and practice.  

The roundtables are part of our comprehensive offering for our pharmacists, with recent roundtables covering the initial six months of Pharmacy First, as well as the relationship between community pharmacy and integrated care systems.

For the opportunity to reach our audience of frontline professionals across pharmacy through a variety of digital advertising options, please contact us today.