Innovations pioneered in pharmacy in Britain are being taken up across Europe, the convention was told by the chief executive of Gehe UK, Mr Mike Ward. One major change now being seen in continental Europe was the formation of pharmacy groups, even where there had traditionally been restrictions. Pharmacies across Europe were realising that belonging to a group gave them strength and the ability to survive.
What had Gehe UK learnt from Europe? The answer was, very little. Instead, Gehe pharmacies in Europe were learning from AAH. Gehe was introducing planograms, with a significant effect on sales. It was putting in pharmacy services such those offered by Vantage. It was introducing promotions with such success that one had led to a 42 per cent sales increase in the promoted category. In addition, Gehe UK had the best reputation in the GEHE group for training of pharmacists and their staff.