The NPA began life as the Retail Pharmacists Union in 1921 and has since grown to become the leading voice of independent community pharmacy across the UK. throughout the year, the NPA will be planning a series of activities, including special recognition for some of its longest serving members.

Amongst the activities planned are:

• Celebrating the NPA’s longest-standing members
• Consultations with members about the future of independent community pharmacy
• Renewed efforts to recruit the next generation of pharmacists (in partnership with other pharmacy bodies) and engage pharmacy students
• Charity fundraising based on the ‘100’ theme
• An official written history of the NPA’s first 100 years
• Member events in all four countries of the UK.

Highlights from the NPA Centenary evening

To celebrate our centenary, the NPA hosted a webinar on the 28th of April 2021.

Delivered by Dr. Ian Cubbin, we shared key historical events in the history of the NPA and community pharmacy. We considered the major landmarks for independent community pharmacy in the past 100 years. We also discussed how can we shape the next 100 years to benefit pharmacies, the NHS and patients. Understand the challenges facing community pharmacy in 2021 and  hear views on the opportunities for community pharmacy in the years and decades to come. Looking back to why she became a community pharmacist, Reena Barai explains why patient care is her main motivation. We also heard from Sandra Gidley – RPS President on her perspective on the history and the need for us to build together.

Thank you to all who attended and celebrated with us !