Policy and politics

GPhC to add net zero targets into its pharmacy regulatory processes

The regulator has outlined plans to include environmental sustainability in its standards for pharmacy professionals and registered pharmacy premises, with its full action plan to be published later in August 2024.…

Will the government’s apparent NHS reset address pharmacy’s important issues?

This month’s health policy column questions whether the new health secretary’s NHS reform plans will address both the accessibility and appropriateness of the medicines patients take.…

How the IPP talent management resource tool works

Inclusive Pharmacy Practice (IPP) is a joint initiative between NHS England, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK and 13 other national partner organisations, aimed at making the workplace environment more inclusive for pharmacy professionals whilst ensuring …

State of pharmacy: what’s in store for the profession under Labour?

Labour’s plans for pharmacy have only been roughly sketched out, but the party’s track record — alongside demands from the sector — can provide some insight into how the planned NHS reform may affect pharmacy.…

Stephen Kinnock appointed as pharmacy minister

Kinnock said his team would be “working relentlessly to address challenges and seize opportunities for change across the portfolio”.…

Pharmacy bodies call on new health secretary to boost funding for sector

The joint letter to Wes Streeting called for sufficient funding, holistic workforce planning and improved medicines security to help address the challenges faced by the NHS.…

Community pharmacist elected as MP in Somerset

Sadik Al-Hassan, a superintendent pharmacist, was elected as Labour MP for North Somerset, while hospital pharmacist Taiwo Owatemi held her seat as Labour MP for Coventry North West in the general election.…

The 2024 general election manifestos are lacking on ambitions for pharmacy

This month, our health policy columnist looks at where pharmacy stands in each of the major political party manifestos.…

SNP pledges ‘framework’ for drug consumption rooms in manifesto

As part of its manifesto for the UK general election, the Scottish National Party also said it would decriminalise drugs for personal use.…

UK should be a ‘stronger destination’ for medicine manufacturers, says Wes Streeting

The shadow health secretary said the NHS was not realising “anywhere near the full potential” of partnering with the life sciences industry on clinical trials and adopting and rolling out new treatments.…