Key Summary
- The review will examine how pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and wider pharmacy teams are currently working in and alongside general practice
- A series of engagement events, open to all general practice pharmacy professionals in Wales, will be advertised shortly
The Welsh Government has commissioned the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) to lead an independent review of the role of pharmacy professionals working in and for general practice in Wales.
The announcement was made by cabinet secretary for Health and Social Care Jeremy Miles M.S. at a conference hosted by the RPS at Cardiff.
The review will examine how pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and wider pharmacy teams are currently working in and alongside general practice, and make evidence-based recommendations to maximise their impact in improving patient care, safety, and outcomes.
Meanwhile, the RPS has appointed Ankish Patel as the expert lead author for the review.
Ankish will work with the RPS Wales team and an expert steering group, bringing together pharmacy leaders from across Wales, external expertise, and general practitioner representation appointed in collaboration with the Royal College of General Practitioners.
As part of the review, a series of engagement events open to all general practice pharmacy professionals in Wales will be advertised shortly.
Patel said he was excited to take on this role and would work closely with the expert steering group, colleagues, and wider general practice teams.
"This review is a valuable opportunity to highlight the impact of the workforce, while also gathering insight from pharmacy across other sectors, the multidisciplinary team, and patients. Together, we can set out a clear vision for how pharmacy professionals in general practice can best support patients and the wider priorities of the NHS in Wales.”
RPS director for Wales Elen Jones said, “This review will provide the evidence and recommendations needed to strengthen the role of pharmacy professionals working within general practice. It is a vital step towards ensuring pharmacy teams can deliver the very best care across all parts of the NHS in Wales.”
Royal College of GPs chair Dr Rowena Christmas said, “Practice-based pharmacists, and increasingly pharmacy technicians, have continually proven to be important colleagues as our general practice teams serve their local communities. This review presents an important opportunity to gain insight and share best practices.”
