The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 277 No 7418 p329
16 September 2006

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Pharmacists told “focus on what you control”

Pharmacists should focus on things that are already within their control, for example, upgrading IT systems, training pharmacy staff and investing in continuing professional development, according to David Coles, managing director of UniChem.

Speaking at the wholesaler’s annual convention, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, last week, Mr Coles said that by doing this, pharmacists would build credibility and influence, allowing them to extend their sphere of influence with stakeholders such as GPs and primary care organisations.

“If all pharmacists were doing this your representative bodies would have greater power to promote your agenda,” he said.

Mr Coles added that the Government’s vision for pharmacy depended on “confidence in a coherent plan for change, the availability of sufficient and well-targeted funding, and the control or encouragement of competition”.