Victoria Jones/PA Wire
Queen Elizabeth II has congratulated members of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) on the occasion of the Society’s 180th anniversary.
In a letter sent from Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth II, who is patron of the Society, praised the RPS for playing a central role in “providing information, professional standards, guidance, events and advocacy for its members”.
She also highlighted how pharmacists work alongside other healthcare professionals, “advising them on the use of medicines to ensure the highest standards of patient care, as well as prescribing and dispensing medicines to patients”.
The Queen went on to offer her thanks to RPS members for their “dedication to their patients” and “vital contribution” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The letter was received before the death of the Duke of Edinburgh on 9 April 2021. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society deferred celebrations from its founding date of 15 April as a mark of respect.
The Society will celebrate the anniversary on 20 May 2021. As part of the celebrations, the RPS Museum has created new online exhibitions showcasing the history of the RPS and the role of women in pharmacy history.
Paul Bennett, chief executive of the RPS, said that “pharmacy’s past is peppered with inspiring pioneers, who helped create the profession we know today”.
“I’m delighted we’ve been able to highlight the achievements of the men and women on whose shoulders we stand, and to share more of our amazing museum collection.
“I’m proud too that we are a forward-looking, science-based profession with a bright future. Soon we’ll be putting our new five-year plan for RPS into action and launching our inclusion and wellbeing pledge for the profession, to help create positive wellbeing in the workplace and a greater sense of belonging.”
