Pharmacists in north Devon and other parts of the West Country have formed
three groups to bring together hospital, industry, community and locum pharmacists.
The first of the groups to be formed covers north Devon and aims to inform,
and disseminate information from, primary care group representatives, local
pharmaceutical committee representatives and groups of general medical practitioners.
Pharmacist members can also catch up with events from the local branch of the
Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Forthcoming meetings will include local hospital
consultants to discuss rheumatology and COX-II inhibitors, the national service
framework for coronary heart disease, smoking cessation, sponsored training
days.
The forum is undertaking development work with the North Devon PCG on projects
involving pharmacists in north Devon.
The group has also reached an agreement with a local newspaper for a weekly
section on health topics which is to be used to help raise the profile of pharmacists
in the area.
Mr John Green (head of public relations, North Devon Pharmacy Forum) told The
Journal on September 18 that two further forums had subsequently been formed.