Vote for these candidates now on the PLB website
http://beta.pharmacyplb.com/about-us/national-pharmacy-boards.asp
Catherine Armstrong
Primary Care
EnglandMartin Astbury
Community
EnglandSid Dajani
Unreserved
EnglandKeith Davies
Unreserved & Com
WalesBob Gartside
Unreserved & Com
WalesJohn Gentle
Community
EnglandLindsey Gilpin
Community
EnglandShilpa Gohil
Industrial
EnglandTristan Learoyd
Academic
EnglandGraham Phillips
Unreserved
EnglandGraeme Stafford
Unreserved
England
When the PDA first suggested that the multiples would use Remote Supervision to allow them to run pharmacies in the absence of pharmacists for cost-cutting purposes, we were accused of scaremongering. However, when the two hour absence under the RP regulations became available, some of the multiples wasted no time in extending their business hours in the absence of the pharmacist.
So let us not kid ourselves, those supporters of Remote Supervision who genuinely believe that it could lead to new roles for pharmacists need to understand that pharmacy operates in a hostile commercial world where profits are maximised through cost reduction.
The PDA believes that if the new roles can be specified, then pharmacists will come forward to deliver them. This has been the case in hospital and primary care practice, so let us not abandon the unique and accessible role of the community pharmacist.
Contrary to popular belief, this is not just a community pharmacy issue. If Remote Supervision is allowed to go ahead, then its effect will inevitably spill over to all sectors of pharmacy.
What is needed is a solid team in place at the Professional Leadership Body, one that will take no nonsense from those who may seek to reduce costs at the expense of patient safety.
The PDA invited all pharmacists to support the PDA’s campaign by agreeing to stand as STOP REMOTE SUPERVISION candidates. We were approached by 25 candidates involving both PDA and non-PDA members and a meeting was held so that the candidates could choose from amongst themselves, those that should become formal campaign candidates.
One of the selection criteria used was that the candidates possessed a good understanding of a wide range of issues facing the profession. It was always important to ensure that if they get elected, then they must be able to deal with matters way beyond just remote supervision.
We hope that you agree, that the candidates selected represent a good mix of experience, passion and specialist knowledge. They come from several sectors and we believe that they would make an excellent team to lead our profession.
The election rules are complex, put in its simplest form, you have a significant number of votes that you can place, the exact number depends on which country you are residing in. You can place your votes even to support candidates not from your particular sector.
The important thing is that you give the official STOP REMOTE SUPERVISION candidates described below your undivided backing. It is only if all (or the vast majority) of them are elected, alongside two good hospital candidates will their ability to address Remote Supervision be guaranteed.
If you want to deal with the threat of Remote Supervision, then we ask that you use your votes accordingly.