The result was that every one of those candidates was elected by a large margin. This demonstrated the strength of feeling amongst pharmacists and gave the elected candidates a clear mandate to take the requisite measures.
Unfortunately, the launch of the new regulator, the GPhC has been delayed until September 2010, as a result the pharmacists that we all supported will not be able to take charge until then.
This is unfortunate, as the current council infamously chose not to back a call for the delay of the RP regulations in the summer of 2009 earning the mistrust of many members. Furthermore, in the recent RPSGB officers elections, the current council expelled Martin Astbury from his position as Vice President and refused to support Tristan Learoyd in his bid for the Presidency (both successful SRS candidates). Democracy has spoken in the recent membership elections and it is clear who pharmacists wish to be in control of their professional agenda.
Despite that, the current council has decided for its own reasons to reduce the influence of the SRS individuals until September. As a result of its conduct, we feel that the current council continues to generate significant ill will amongst the profession.Despite these setbacks, we are pleased to see that the SRS candidates will not be deflected from their objectives and that they will make progress in any event. The PDA has received confirmation that the ‘supervision’ issue will now be driven by the Pharmacy Board structure, despite not yet being in complete control of the RPSGB.
We have already been contacted by Lindsey Gilpin, the English Pharmacy Board chair and invited to participate in a pan-professional review of supervision – and we have readily accepted. We are aware that other organisations have also been invited to join in. It is obvious that those who members voted for at the last election are keen to ensure that their actions can be aligned with the words in their election manifestos. We expect to be working closely with the professional leadership body as soon as the new leaders take over; in the meantime, we will be supporting and playing our part in the interim programme described.
The Interim Programme
July 2010
- PDA has already had early talks with the leadership of the new PLB and has been invited to take part in the panprofessional plan to resolve the Remote Supervision issue.
- Membership surveys will be undertaken during July, so that the views of pharmacists and the evidence is gathered to support the campaign.
August 2010
- Based on member feedback, a Supervision Strategy day involving representatives of several pharmacy organisations to be held with the aim of producing a practical review of the current supervision regulations – an alternative to the current government proposals.
September 2010
- Initial ideas to be published for consultation within the profession. Opportunities for direct membership dialogue via an open forum at the British Pharmaceutical Conference and other pharmacy gatherings. Direct focus group meetings with pharmacists to be held in various locations.
- Professional dialogue opened up using all available channels (e.g. internet, letters in the PJ, magazine features etc.) so as to gauge the support of the profession.
- Initial draft of the professions view on changes to supervision produced.
- Possible petition of the membership, if needed, so as to show the levels of support.
October 2010
- A new supervision policy handed to the government and the GPhC.
This outline plan has the support of the PDA, and we will be working in earnest to harness the views of PDA members. Watch out for our on-line surveys, petitions and focus group invitations. We are determined to rid pharmacy of the spectre of remote supervision – the plan to operate a pharmacy in the absence of the pharmacist. If you want us to succeed then please be ready to offer your direct input and support when called for.