AIMp

The Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies represents multiples that are not part of the Company Chemists’ Association

CCA

The Company Chemists’ Association is the recognised body that represents UK pharmacy multiples

CPP

The College of Pharmacy Practice promotes excellence in pharmacy practice through continuing education and training. The college was set up by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and membership is open to all pharmacists registered in the UK

CPPE

The Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education is funded by the Department of Health to provide continuing education for practising pharmacists and pharmacy technicians providing NHS services in England

CPW

Community Pharmacy Wales negotiates with NHS Wales on behalf of pharmacy contractors in Wales

GHP

The Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists is a professional organisation for pharmacists working in public and private hospitals, health authorities, health boards, primary care groups, local health care co-operatives, general practices and elsewhere in the managed services. The GHP provides a range of education, scientific and professional activities and comprehensive industrial relations support

MHRA

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is an executive agency of the Department of Health. It protects and promotes patient safety and public health by ensuring that medicines, health care products and medical equipment meet appropriate standards of safety, quality, performance and effectiveness

NICE

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is the independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention and treatment of ill health

NPA

The National Pharmacy Association is the national body of Britain’s community pharmacy owners

PSNC

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee aims to secure the best possible remuneration, terms and conditions for NHS pharmacy contractors in England. The PSNC negotiates with the Department of Health on NHS matters. The committee is financed by local pharmaceutical committees

PSNI

The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland is the statutory and regulatory body for pharmacists in Northern Ireland

SCPPE

The Scottish Centre for Post Qualification Pharmaceutical Education is the national centre for continuing pharmaceutical education in Scotland. SCPPE is funded by the Scottish Executive Health Department and provides education and training programmes for hospital and community pharmacists working within the NHS in Scotland

SMC

The Scottish Medicines Consortium provides advice to NHS boards and their area drug and therapeutics committees across Scotland about the status of all newly licensed medicines, all new formulations of existing medicines and any major new indications for established products (licensed from January 2002). This advice will be made available as soon as practical after the launch of the product involved

SPGC

The Scottish Pharmaceutical General Council negotiates with the Scottish Executive Health Department on behalf of all pharmacy contractors, the terms and conditions of service and their remuneration and reimbursement for the provision of NHS pharmaceutical services

WCPPE

The Welsh Centre for Post-Graduate Pharmaceutical Education is funded by the Welsh Assembly and provides continuing education and continuing professional development opportunities for pharmacists and their support staff in Wales