In Opinion

Follow this topic

Bookmark

Record learning outcomes

Mike Holden's sudden departure from the NPA leaves the independents' trade body searching for its fifth leader in just over seven years and pharmacists wondering whether, strategically, the organisation has lost its way.

The growing influence and status of Pharmacy Voice (PV), the pan-sector umbrella grouping of which the NPA is a constituent member, along with CCA and AIMp, was always at some point going to cause each of the associations to reappraise their own core purpose and functions, especially as PV has been largely successful in portraying a stronger, more unified voice for community pharmacy.

The challenge for the new boss at Mallinson House will be to balance the NPA's sometimes conflicting wider representative role as part of PV with protecting and promoting the interests of independents, while all the time providing those essential services upon which its members rely so heavily. As recent history shows, it is no easy task.

NEW PARTNERSHIP

Pharmacy Magazine has always been a passionate supporter of professional development and advanced practice for community pharmacists, which is why we are delighted to be partnering with the RPS Faculty in our long-running CPD programme (see centre pages).

We share many of the aims and aspirations of the Faculty, as we do with the RPS itself. And while we will remain a 'critical friend' of the Society, we look forward to developing this new relationship with the Faculty for the benefit of our readers.