Election brings opportunities to promote pharmacy
Key pharmacy bodies have been taking the opportunity to promote the profession during the run-up to the general election.
The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee is encouraging local
pharmaceutical committees to invite prospective parliamentary candidates
to visit local pharmacies. It has produced a standard letter for LPCs
to send to prospective candidates that outlines the new pharmacy contract
and highlights the role of the LPC.
Melanie Woodnick, public affairs officer at the PSNC, commented: “The
support of MPs has been valuable in the recent past, most notably during
the campaign against the Office of Fair Trading’s proposals to
remove control of entry. Raising awareness of pharmacy issues with prospective
parliamentary candidates provides a good base on which to build further
support among those successful in being elected to Parliament on 5 May.”
Meanwhile, following the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s general
election briefing (PJ, 9 April, p433) about 20 candidates from all of
the main parties have expressed an interest in visiting a local pharmacy.
Beverley Parkin, director of public affairs and communications at the
Society, said: “We shall be following up our contact after the
election with the successful candidates and encouraging them to join
the All-Party Pharmacy Group.”
Local politicians were also present at Beech Pharmacy, Nottingham, recently
where the pharmacy was officially re-opened by councillor and deputy
Lord Mayor, Mo Munir, following its recent renovation.
In Wales, Home Secretary Charles Clarke visited Lloydspharmacy in Haverfordwest,
Dyfed, to promote the reduction of prescription charges in the country.
Mo Munir (centre) with Paresh Kotecha (left), of Beech Pharmacy, and Jim Thornton, a candidate in Nottingham |
Charles Clarke (right) in Haverfordwest with Steve Ridd, Lloydspharmacy
professional development manager |
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