The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7236 p250
15 February 2003

Society summary

Welsh Executive sets out public affairs programme

The Welsh Executive of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has announced a wide-ranging public affairs programme for 2003. Its focus will be liaison with the Welsh Assembly on the strategic future of the pharmacy profession in Wales. Other activities will include briefing politicians on pharmacy issues at national and local level, attending political party conferences, briefing local health board pharmacists, increasing interaction with relevant patient groups, and presenting the public affairs programme in a Welsh medium to relevant Welsh audiences

Andrea Robinson, chairman of the executive, said: "Pharmacy in Wales is developing on a daily basis. It is an important role of the Welsh Executive to make sure politicians from all parties are fully briefed on key issues such as patient safety, risk management, facilitation of automated dispensing and manpower issues."

As part of a commitment to increase branch involvement in the public affairs programme, representatives of the Society's local branches were invited to a dinner hosted on 28 January at the Garden of Wales (the former National Botanical Garden). Branch members from Ceredigion, Penfro and Bro Myrddin joined local health representatives, including: chief executives and chairmen of the new local health boards and local NHS trusts. Also invited were representatives of patient groups and local pharmacy development groups.

Andrea Robinson said that the dinner had provided an excellent opportunity for branch members to network with local politicians and key influencers. "If anyone can convince decision-makers that pharmacists have an increasingly valuable contribution to make to the health agenda in Wales, it is those who are actually making that contribution", she said.

"Through these events, branch officials and the Executive can join forces to influence key local opinion formers and decision-makers in Wales."