The NPA’s Board of Management has appointed Bharat Patel as chairman of the association. Bharat joined the NPA Board in 2006, representing NPA members in the East Anglia region. He operates a healthcare business comprising two pharmacies and a purpose built nursing home.
He will be joined by the newly appointed Vice-Chairman Andrew Lane and Michael Guerin who continues as Treasurer.
They lead a 23-strong Board, with a membership covering independents, independently owned multiples and corporate multiples.
Bharat Patel said:
“It is a great privilege to be appointed chairman of an association that is central to the wellbeing of community pharmacies in every part of the UK. I am acutely conscious of the array of challenges facing our sector at the present time. Many of us feel very frustrated that our ambition to do more for patients is not matched by the sustained NHS investment necessary to make it happen. I am passionate about playing my part in making things better for the sector and the communities we serve – with the support of an experienced Board and a strong executive team at the NPA. No-one should be in any doubt that the NPA cares deeply for all its members – from independents like me to the national multiples. Our participation in Pharmacy Voice means that that the whole sector can purse together a coherent programme of transformational change. Our sector’s diversity is a strength and the NPA caters for the needs of all.”
Outgoing chairman Ian Facer said:
“It has been an honour to serve as NPA chairman for the past two years. Over this period we have continued to lay important groundwork for future improved performance, and given solid service to pharmacies in every part of the UK. I wish Bharat a very successful term in office.”
