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Some key messages came out of a recent RPS conference on medicines safety, says Mair Davies, Welsh Pharmacy Board chair

THERE'S NO DOUBT we are facing a time of great change in the NHS. It's vital that we ensure medicines are managed and administered safely - now and in the future. But how can we make sure this happens? How can we influence change? Over 80 pharmacists and key stakeholders in Wales discussed these issues at our Medicines Safety Conference in November. Here are some of the key messages from the event.

Listen and act

One of the most salient points to come out of the conference was the importance of listening to patients. Of course, we know we should listen but how many of us are making full use of the opportunities we have in our day-to-day practice? What changes should be made to our roles to enable us to listen more? But we have to do more than listen. Allison Williams, chief executive of Cwm Taf Health Board, called on all professionals to act on what they hear to better meet the needs of patients in the future.

How can we make sure this happens? 

Collaborate

If we really want to make the lives of patients safer, pharmacy needs to be properly integrated into the health service. Keynote speaker, Professor Mark Drakeford AM, minister for health and social services, emphasised the need for collaboration between the health professions, speaking passionately about the importance of pharmacists in the future of health and social care services in Wales.

Reform

Radical changes to the system may help improve patient safety. The minister was interested in the concept of patient registration, which could favour patient care for people living with chronic conditions and for other vulnerable groups. He welcomed working with pharmacists and the RPS to explore potential models of patient registration.

Lead

The minister challenged pharmacists to present the Welsh Government with solutions for the future. We have to demonstrate the professional leadership needed at this time of change in the NHS. It is up to us to come up with solutions that will make the lives of patients safer, and this is what we, at the RPS in Wales, intend to do. If you have any comments or suggestions please contact us at wales@rpharms.com.