The PDAU recognises that Boots pharmacies dominate most high streets throughout the UK.
Following surveys with its Boots pharmacist members, it is clear that they want nothing more than to be able to use their clinical skills to make beneficial differences to the lives of patients. However, they have been severely hampered in doing so by the business culture and working environment that they have had to endure. Recently, these concerns emerged in the national media.
Mark Koziol, Pharmacists’ Defence Association Union (PDAU) Assistant General Secretary, said:
“The recent revelations about the relentless and unacceptable targeting of NHS funds through medicines use reviews coupled with the intolerable working conditions for Boots pharmacists is a scandal that has caused widespread concern and anger.”
Commenting on the departure of the Boots UK President, Mark Koziol said:
“We sincerely hope that the new Boots President heralds a change in business culture within that organisation. One that no longer relentlessly places targets upon its pharmacists in its pursuit of profits and double digit growth, irrespective of the impact that it has on patients. One that allows Boots pharmacists instead, to practice with professional autonomy and build meaningful clinical relationships with patients.”
“If the new Boots President could achieve that, then she would go a long way in helping to restore the company’s image as well as relieving the current pressures on the NHS. This would be to the benefit of the public, pharmacists and taxpayers.”