The event started with a brief introduction to the day and why it was important for PDA Reps and active members to get involved. This was followed by a keynote speech from PDA Chairman Mark Koziol. During Mark’s speech he discussed the current work of the PDA, key objectives going forward along with how pharmacists can work together to lead positive change in the profession. There was a particular focus on how a pharmacist’s role can be developed with one key point being that pharmacists should be more involved in vaccination processes. Mark also discussed the PDA’s Safer Pharmacies Charter, the #ENDviolenceinpharmacy campaign, and the Medicines to Ukraine campaign which has evolved and expanded with the support of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) to support other countries in receiving life-saving medicines.
Following Mark’s speech members were then given to opportunity to go into different sessions which discussed various topics in pharmacy and how they can make a difference. The different sessions focused on current regulatory issues, how to amplify the voices of pharmacists, and more. During the sessions, PDA Director of Defence Services, Mark Pitt discussed online prescribing, fraudulent invoicing, and more. The session on women’s health allowed members to split into groups to discuss the issues women face in the workplace and what can be done to resolve these issues.
A fourth-year pharmacy student and PDA Student Rep said, “It’s been really interesting and not what I expected. It’s really nice to talk to a wide variety of people across pharmacy and hear about topics I don’t know much about already.”
A trainee pharmacist and PDA Trainee Rep said, “It’s been very interesting to speak to and integrate with other pharmacists from different sectors. We were able to raise concerns about things that are maybe thrown under the carpet.”
Jyoti Saini, PDA Rep in an ICB said, “I have really enjoyed the shaping pharmacy development day. It enabled me to engage with PDA staff and reps from around the country. Being able to learn about the women’s strategy and developing manifesto will further enable me to develop in my role and support members. These sessions were engaging and empowering.”
The day ended with members all coming together to discuss what they wish to do going forward and how they will use what was covered over the day. Some members commented that, ‘pharmacists can do more and are not limited to one role’. PDA members also reported that they felt empowered, excited, inspired, and motivated following the day and were keen to bring these feelings into their roles.
Get involved
Learn more
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.