Diabetes and leadership interest groups are launched by UKCPA
Two new practice interest groups — covering diabetes, and leadership and management — were launched by the United Kingdom Clinical Pharmacy Association at its autumn
symposium held in Blackpool last weekend.
Catherine Norris, principal pharmacist for clinical services, Harrogate
District Hospital, told The Journal that UKCPA is attempting to strengthen
its practice interest group base to include therapeutic areas — particularly
where they are linked to national service frameworks. “Last year
we launched a cardiology group, this year a respiratory group and now
a diabetes group,” she said.
The aim of the diabetes group is to provide support to pharmacists working
in the diabetes field and to foster links that will result in better
quality care. “In particular we need to consider the pharmacist-prescriber
role in this area and the knowledge and skills needed in relation to
this,” she added. The group is aimed at UKCPA members with an
interest in diabetes. Mrs Norris said she hoped the membership would
include pharmacists from all branches of the profession. The first meeting
will be held in April 2004.
The leadership and management development practice interest group is
a joint venture between the UKCPA and the Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists.
Speaking at its launch on 21 November, Graeme Hall, University Hospitals
of Leicester and chairman of the group’s steering committee, said: “The
group aims to promote leadership skills at all levels of the profession.” This
could be at individual practice, team, operational or strategic levels.
He added that the group would eventually like to set up a mentoring group.
Dr Gill Hawksworth, President of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, attended
the launch of both groups and offered them her full support.
Pharmacists interested in joining either group can contact Pat Kennedy,
UKCPA’s administrative assistant (tel 0116 277 6999, e-mail admin@ukcpa.com). |
