Four Royal Pharmaceutical Society committees recently pondered the implications for the profession of the Government's plans for the NHS and for pharmacy. While our report of their meetings (p782) may not make the most thrilling bedtime reading, it serves to demonstrate the many ramifications of the Government's proposals, all of which must be taken into account if the profession is to make the most of the opportunities presented to it. Altering the way pharmacy is practised will require changes in many areas other than practice — including education and training, legislation, professional standards, scientific and technological support, and practice research. Clearly the Society and the profession are in for a long haul before the plan becomes a reality.