RPS celebrates 180th anniversary

In an historic milestone, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society is celebrating its 180th anniversary this year.

The RPS was founded at a meeting in London on April 15, 1841. To mark the anniversary, which started in essence on Jan 7, the pharmacy body will highlight pharmacy’s rich heritage through the RPS museum and showcase the work of pharmacists in the modern world.

The museum was originally created in 1842 to educate pharmacy students, but today its collections cover all aspects of British pharmacy history from the 1400s to the present day.

Through this fantastic resource RPS will…

• showcase pharmacy history
• reveal some of its most important historical items through a new online catalogue
• unveil a 180-second whistle-stop tour of the Museum’s favourite displays
• celebrate the history of women in pharmacy.

Looking towards the future the activities of RPS will include:

• announcing our 2021 Charter Award to recognise outstanding work by a member in promoting the interests of pharmacy
• presenting a new plan for RPS 2021-2026
• launching of its inclusive Workplace Pledge for the profession.

RPS president Sandra Gidley said: “I’m very proud to be leading RPS as we mark our 180^th anniversary. Pharmacy is a vibrant, diverse profession that makes an exceptional contribution to patient care on a daily basis. I’m optimistic about what the future holds in store.”

Chief executive Paul Bennett said: “I’m delighted we are making our amazing Museum collection more accessible through new exhibitions and an online collection.

“As well as celebrating our history with the profession, we’ll be looking to our future as a modern, outward looking organisation through the launch of a new five-year strategy for RPS. Pharmacy is rightly at the forefront of improving patient care and we will ensure our members are at the heart of future developments.”