The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 275 No 7369 p403
1 October 2005

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BPC News summary

Integrated Society functions deliver best for public

The British Pharmaceutical Conference is a good example of how the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s integrated functions deliver the best for the public, the President of the Society, Hemant Patel, told delegates at this year’s conference, which took palce in Manchester from 26 to 28 September. “The integrated role is currently under considerable external scrutiny and, I have to say, is not always fully understood nor its value appreciated,” he said. Mr Patel drew parallels with the dual role of the Society and this year’s conference programme, entitled “A common vision for health: linking science with practice.”

The conference focuses on practice that is both safe and sound, said Mr Patel, and he pointed out that the Society aims to achieve safety by putting the patient first and to be sound by helping pharmacists achieve levels of excellence. He said that the conference is also about the values and attitudes that define the culture of a profession. “I believe that it is time to reclaim the definition of professionalism and ensure that it gets — and deserves — the public’s respect,” he said. He called upon delegates to promote professionalism both inside and outside pharmacy.

Turning to the support that the Society offers its members, Mr Patel said that he is keen to hear the views of young pharmacists, retired pharmacists and proprietors of small pharmacies who may be feeling disillusioned. “It is clear that some pharmacists are feeling isolated and fearful,” he said. “To all pharmacists I say: ‘You are not alone. Talk to us.’ This president and the new Council are keen to hear your concerns.”

Mr Patel went on to call for feedback on a forthcoming consultation on new codes of ethics for the Society. “We believe that it is time to move away from a prescriptive and rules-based code to one that aims to promote ethical behaviour and deter unprofessional practice,” he said. “The changing context of professional practice presents new ethical considerations for the pharmacy profession, and professional accountability and autonomy are key requirements of modern practice.”

He also urged all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to take part in the consultation on the Government’s draft pharmacists and pharmacy technicians Order that is expected shortly. “This will create important new powers so that we can take the profession forward with the full confidence of the public,” he said.