Key Summary
- Dame Jenny Harries named new Chair of Community Pharmacy England
- Former UKHSA chief and Deputy CMO brings wide health leadership
- Also appointed Honorary Professor at Nottingham University
Community Pharmacy England names England’s former deputy chief medical officer, Professor Dame Jenny Harries, as the new non-executive chair on Monday (1).
She will replace chair Sue Killen, whose term ended in August.
Professor Harries is an expert health professional who has served at all levels of the government.
She was also the founding chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and has made remarkable contributions towards national health spanning to international, national and local levels.
In her new role, Harries will be in charge of the Community Pharmacy England Committee, supporting strong governance and strategic delivery, and working closely with the executive team to enable effective engagement with business owners and wider stakeholders.
She previously served on the UK’s Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and for many years she worked directly with communities through local government and the NHS, including as a director of public health.
Alongside her new role, Professor Harries is taking up an Honorary Professorship in Health Security at Nottingham University’s School of Pharmacy.
“I am really excited to be working so closely with community pharmacy. Pharmacies were critical stakeholders during my time in local public health teams; and they are uniquely placed to provide care and support to those in the most deprived communities and with the most health need,” said Professor Harries.
Outgoing chair Sue Killen said, “It has been a pleasure to support such a vibrant sector through an important time, and while significant challenges remain, I hope to see community pharmacy continue to realise its potential in the coming years.”
“I am delighted to welcome Professor Harries to Community Pharmacy England and am looking forward to working closely with her,” said the chief executive of Community Pharmacy England, Janet Morrison as she welcomed the new chair.
