Inside Tomorrow's Pharmacist (2001)

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Foreword by Marshall Davies

As the pharmacy professionals of the future the opportunities that you will have to develop and shape your careers have never been greater. The current and planned changes in the way that health care is provided in England, Scotland and Wales will mean more responsibilities for members of the profession.

The traditional barriers that once divided health professionals are being broken down. In today's health care world, working and learning together, both professionally and inter-professionally, are key to achieving the best care and service for patients. In this new environment you will have the responsibility for ensuring that others in the team benefit from your skills. This means that you have the opportunity and responsibility to make the most of the skills and knowledge that you acquire.

The science underpinning your degree will give you the flexibility to move in a variety of directions and allow you to make a unique contribution in whatever sector you choose to work in. To be fully effective, you must also be able to communicate, not only with your peers and other professionals but, most importantly, with those who use the services you provide. As professionals, your judgement, values and commitment are as important as your technical knowledge and by building on them you will gain job satisfaction and patients will get the best possible pharmaceutical care. The new health service is one which demands higher standards and greater accountability from all those who work within it. Your commitment to pharmacy and to learning throughout your professional life will be essential to deliver this.

The Government's plans to modernise the NHS point to a changing but nonetheless clear role for pharmacy. The Society will support and help its members through this change but will have all the time as its focus the public interest. In this modern age, when health professions are increasingly being asked to justify the faith that patients place in them, the only legitimate interest for the Society to pursue on its members' behalf is the public interest.

I hope you enjoy your preregistration year and look forward to welcoming you into the profession.

Marshall Davies is President of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society