I feel privileged and hugely excited to be stepping into this role. I’m looking forward to continuing to work alongside the Guild HQ team, Board, and wider stakeholders to achieve for members and our sector.
I’ve been involved in key pieces of work already, including NAAR discussions and mitigating 12‑month prescription fee impacts, and have a full understanding of the key issues facing members – so I’m ready to hit the ground running at a time when we can’t afford to lose traction.
I recognise that proposed changes to pharmacy ownership is an important issue for the sector and it is absolutely a top priority for the Guild. Our position is clear and unchanged – pharmacist ownership and effective control means patient focused care, not just profit, is the focus of pharmacy practice – we will fight to maintain this.
As a previous community pharmacy owner, I understand the pressures you face. I’ve long been part of the Guild, starting as a pharmacy student, and was a proud Guild member while an owner. I wholeheartedly believe that a strong Guild with united members is essential to a strong and successful community pharmacy sector.
Advancing your role – what you can do as a pharmacist, the services you can offer and how you are funded for providing those services – as well as funding for core dispensing services and other existing pharmacy services, are key goals.
Sustainable funding is key for all services, and any new services can’t come at the expense of existing core funding. Community pharmacy can help ease pressure on the wider health system, but we need to be funded properly to do this.
We will continue to keep you informed as we fight to deliver for you and provide you with support and helpful tools and resources to run your business.
We are always seeking to improve what we offer you and how we communicate with you, and welcome your feedback. I encourage members to contact me directly to discuss issues and I look forward to engaging with you.