Experts in community, primary care and digital pharmacy appointed to chair RPS advisory groups

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has recruited three expert chairs for each of its new advisory groups on digital pharmacy, primary care pharmacy and community pharmacy.

Anne Thompson, lead pharmacist, clinical services, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, will chair the primary care pharmacy group; Darren Powell, clinical lead at NHS Digital, will chair the digital pharmacy group; and Janice Perkins, pharmacy superintendent at Well Pharmacy, will chair the community pharmacy group.

The expert groups comprise RPS members who are international or national experts in their field across all relevant backgrounds.

The aim of each group is to work collaboratively as a source of expertise, advice and opinion to inform the RPS boards, and aid the society’s policy decisions and work plans.

The existing expert groups cover hospital pharmacy, antimicrobials, industrial pharmacy and early careers pharmacy.

“I’m delighted to see the creation of [the primary care pharmacy] group by the RPS and to be appointed as chair,” said Thompson.

“Pharmacy has a key role to play in the ongoing transformation of primary care services, and I look forward to collaborating across the three nations to raise our profile and support professional advancement aligned to our aspirations.”

Powell said he was “honoured” to have been given the opportunity to develop and drive the digital agenda for the wider pharmacy profession.

“I look forward to working with other colleagues appointed to the digital pharmacy group. Together, we’ll ensure we draw upon their vast knowledge and experience, and from other subject matter experts that are present in the pharmacy profession, to support and guide RPS with its policy and work plans within the digital space.”

Perkins, who has also chaired the community pharmacy patient safety group, said she was “delighted” to have been appointed.

“I’m passionate about the role that community pharmacy can play in the wider healthcare agenda and look forward to supporting the national pharmacy boards with policy decisions and advice on professional practice.”