From Mr J-P Moser
SIR,—I am writing in response to Maurice Jackson’s letter, (PJ,
October 7, p514), highlighting
what he perceived as a lack of media attention on the effects of last month’s
fuel crisis on pharmacy services.
In fact, following discussions between Mr Niall Dickson, health and social affairs
editor at the BBC, and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s press office,
a report highlighting just this issue went out on the BBC Nine O’clock
News on Wednesday, September 13. The news item featured a pharmacist in the
West Midlands discussing the drug delivery problems faced by pharmacists in
light of the fuel crisis.
In his letter, Mr Jackson also made reference to the challenge laid down to
pharmacists by radio host Dr Ed Doolan, a guest speaker at the British Pharmaceutical
Conference banquet, to become more proactive in making themselves known to local
radio stations (PJ, September 30, p492). This appeal supports the work of the
Society’s public relations unit, which works to encourage pharmacists to
get their voices into local media. To illustrate how effective such an approach
can be, the unit arranged for the Society’s President, Mrs Christine Glover,
to be a guest on Dr Doolan’s lunch-time show on the day the Government’s
plans for pharmacy were announced at conference by Lord Hunt (Parliamentary
Under Secretary for Health). During her interview, the President was able to
offer advice to listeners about the services available from community pharmacies
and also to discuss the implications of the plan live on air with the Minister.
The Society’s PR team is continually looking to promote the profession
in the media and offers a range of support, including media training for branch
public relations officers and regional communications officers.
Jean-Pierre Moser
Head of Public Relations,
Royal Pharmaceutical Society