RPS pays tribute to pharmacy law and ethics pioneer Joy Wingfield

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has expressed its sadness at the death of Joy Wingfield, honorary professor of Pharmacy Law and Ethics at the University of Nottingham.

After qualifying as a pharmacist in 1971, Wingfield went on to become an inspector for the then Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB). In 1986, she was appointed to the role of head of ethics and registration at the RPSGB.

A few years later, in 1991, Wingfield took up the role of assistant pharmacy superintendent for Boots, before being seconded in 2000 to the University of Nottingham on a part-time basis, taking up the post of special chair of pharmacy law and ethics. After her retirement, she remained as an honorary professor at the university.

Wingfield was also known for having co-founded the Pharmacy Law and Ethics Association, which she chaired until 2015, and for authoring and editing a range of books in the area of pharmacy law and ethics, including Dale and Appelbe’s Pharmacy and Medicines Law.

Sandra Gidley, president of the RPS, said that Wingfield “pioneered the development of pharmacy law and ethics, and her extraordinary depth of knowledge made a lasting impact on the pharmacy profession”, adding that the 12th edition of Dale and Appelbe would be dedicated to her memory.

“She was a fantastic role model for women and I know she encouraged many to spread their wings. Whilst it is right and proper to remember her work achievements, I shall also remember her as great fun and she will be missed by many.”

Paul Bennett, chief executive of the RPS, said that he was “very sad to hear that Joy has died”.

“I worked with Joy at Boots and the CCA [Company Chemists’ Association], and greatly valued her sound wisdom and clear advice. She had a huge influence on the profession and will be very much missed by me and so many others,” he said.

The Pharmaceutical Journal will publish a full obituary for Professor Wingfield in the coming days.