Community pharmacy deeply saddened as Queen Elizabeth dies at 96, ending an era for Britain

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch, the nation's figurehead and a towering presence on the world stage for seven decades, died peacefully at her home in Scotland on Thursday aged 96.

"The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family," the new king, her eldest son Charles, said.

"I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world," the 73-year-old said in a statement.

The news has stunned and deeply saddened community pharmacy in Britain.

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) issued a statement to say it "has been very saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

"At this time of national mourning, we join the rest of the country in sending our thoughts and condolences to the royal family."

The board and staff of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) "are very saddened at the news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen, after her long service to the nation. She was truly a towering figure in our nation and around the world."

The NPA paid tribute to King Charles III, who recently welcomed hundreds of pharmacists into Clarence House to recognise the association's centenary celebrations and work of community pharmacists up and down the country.

"Out of respect for The Queen and her family in mourning, we are postponing our national conference, scheduled for next week," the NPA chair, Andrew Lane, said in a statement on Friday (September 9).

"In line with protocol, we will minimise public NPA events, unless essential, for the period of mourning until after the funeral. We will continue to provide comprehensive support to help our members in the vital work they do; our advice lines and support services remain open as usual."

In a statement, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) said the death of its patron "will be deeply felt by pharmacists and the whole pharmacy family. RPS president Professor Claire Anderson will write to the royal family to express sincere condolences from the RPS."

The General Pharmaceutical Council paid tribute to the Queen’s long and dedicated service to the country.

It stated: "It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the death of Her Majesty the Queen. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the royal family."

In a tweet, the newly appointed health secretary, Thérèse Coffey, mourned the death of the monarch.

Northern Ireland's health minister Robin Swann said: “My thoughts are first and foremost with her family at this time, as they grieve the loss of a mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

“This is a very sad and moving day, as we reflect on an incredible life of service, dignity and integrity."

Eluned Morgan, the health minister of Wales, thanked the Queen for her "selfless service and reassuring presence throughout decades of change."

"You will be sorely missed Ma'am."

Scotland's health minister Humza Yousaf said: "The Queen demonstrated a lifelong commitment to public service, carrying out her duties right to the very end of her life. My thoughts, prayers and condolences to members of the Royal Family and those who were closest to Her Majesty."

In a statement, Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, wrote: "I know I speak on behalf of the whole NHS when I say how incredibly saddened we are by the news Her Majesty The Queen has passed away.

"The Queen dedicated her life to public service and it was our proudest moment when she awarded NHS staff the George Cross earlier this year, for their compassion and courage over the last 74 years but particularly during the pandemic.

"My heartfelt condolences are with the royal family at this time."

Chief executive of the North East London LPC, Shilpa Shah, took to twitter to express her sense of loss at the death of the monarch.

https://twitter.com/ShilpaS76/status/1567992139061104641

Day Lewis Pharmacy took to Twitter to express the group's sadness.

Chief executive of the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) Richard Torbett issued a statement to extend "our condolences to the Royal Family" on behalf of the ABPI and the pharmaceutical industry in the UK.

“The Queen led a life of duty and service to the people of the UK & Commonwealth and was an inspirational figurehead for the UK around the world.

“She leaves behind an unmatched legacy of dignified leadership and our industry joins with the rest of the nation in mourning at this sad time.”

Company Chemists' Association said: "We heard with great sorrow the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. We pay tribute to Her Majesty’s dedication and tenacity throughout her reign, and extend profound admiration and gratitude for her service. Our thoughts are with the royal family and all those who are mourning."

The Queen, whose husband died last year, had been suffering from what Buckingham Palace had called "episodic mobility problems" since the end of last year, forcing her to withdraw from nearly all her public engagements.

Elizabeth was the 40th monarch in a royal line that followed Norman King William the Conqueror, who claimed the English throne in 1066 after defeating Anglo-Saxon ruler Harold II at the Battle of Hastings.