Ms Gisela Stuart (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health) launched the National Pharmaceutical Association's "Ask your pharmacist" roadshow at London's Covent Garden on May 22.
Before cutting her way through the sealed entrance to a trailer which is to tour Britain until July 1, the Minister said: "The ‘Ask your pharmacist' roadshow is an innovative event which, I am sure, will help the public appreciate the wealth of expertise and advice on offer at the local pharmacy. The local community pharmacist is an easily accessible health care professional who, as the roadshow will demonstrate, is readily on hand to advise the public on safe and effective self-care and the correct use of medicines."
The roadshow will visit shopping centres at 28 towns and cities across the country to promote the pharmacist's role. Among other things, the trailer contains an exhibition on pharmacy through the ages and includes an "Ask your pharmacist" consultation area. Street theatre will be used to attract attention and free handouts will be available sponsored by NHS Direct, Reader's Digest and Mother and Baby.
Amber Miller, watched by Ben Zatland (chairman, NPA), presents flowers to the Minister in front of the exhibition on the history of pharmacy