From Miss J. Robson, MRPharmS
SIR,—I was recently invited to present a poster at the Northern Primary Care Research Network (NoReN) annual research presentation day. The day was very enjoyable and was a worthwhile opportunity to share research with other health professionals. It was well supported by practice nurses, podiatrists, academics and (understandably) general practitioners. However, I was disappointed to discover that I was, to the best of my knowledge, the only pharmacist in attendance and the only presenter who mentioned the role of community pharmacy in primary care. I hope my poster, entitled "Survey of information needs and services offered by community pharmacists in the North Tees area", went some way to redress the balance.
I am aware that community pharmacists have little time to spare on research, and the cost of employing a locum to attend a one-day, midweek conference may seem prohibitively expensive, but can we afford to miss this opportunity?
I would like to recommend NoReN to any interested pharmacists in the Northern and Yorkshire regions. The stated aim of NoReN is "to foster an environment in which practice-based research can thrive and develop". It has a multiprofessional membership and works to facilitate multidisciplinary team working. It provides education, training and technical support to those embarking on primary care research projects.
As a hospital pharmacist attempting to bridge the primary/ secondary divide, I am well aware of the good work that many of my community colleagues are providing. We are becoming better at advertising our strengths to other pharmacists, but until we make sure the major stakeholders in primary care - namely, the general practitioners - are informed of our excellent work we will never receive remuneration.
Further details on NoReN may be found on the internet at www.freespace.virgin.net/noren.network or by writing to NoReN, Eaglescliffe Health Centre, Sunningdale Drive, Eaglescliffe, Stockton on Tees, TS16 9EA.
Jane Robson
Directorate Pharmacist, Medical Rehabilitation, North Tees General Hospital, Stockton on Tees