Search The NPA Blog

It is a year since the NPA published the report of its hub and spoke task group – An Evidence Based Policy Review. The report concluded that hub and spoke between different companies is fraught with difficulties for independents and presents dangers for the sector when set in the context of the government’s current cost-focused (rather than value-focused) policy approach

Part of my role as the Head of Corporate Affairs at the NPA is to scrutinise government policy, always with the end goal of helping independent pharmacies operate profitable businesses and provide excellent patient care. By far the most dangerous policy idea circulating in government right now is that local pharmacies can be replaced by an Amazon style medicines service.

Alongside its equivalent bodies across the channel, the NPA is a member of the Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union (PGEU). The principal function of the PGEU is to lobby the European Parliament and Commission to try and influence European legislation. With the number of people in the EU at over 500 million across 28 different member countries, it is difficult for the powers that be in…

The Danish idea of hygge describes a feeling of happiness, contentment and wellbeing derived from cosiness and the small pleasures in life. In many ways some of the things we do are ‘hyggelig’ without us realising - like sitting down to eat supper with family, or lighting a candle while sitting down to read a book. Appreciating the simple comforts around us can help to enhance general wellbeing -…

In my role as Policy Manager at the NPA, I take issues of concern to independent pharmacists and develop policy recommendations in consultation with members, NPA staff and the Board. The ultimate aim is to shape public policy and influence the approach of the NHS and other stakeholders impacting our sector.

Pharmacies are a hugely under-utilised resource within the NHS. To change this, there must be more ambition amongst policy makers, commissioners of services, and government ministers. Their attitudes show that pharmacy has been misplaced in the healthcare scheme; there are so many ways that we could help further

My role as Chairman of the NPA crystallises to one very simple core: putting our members at the centre of everything we do.

In my role as chief pharmacist at the NPA I meet a lot of dedicated pharmacists all over the country. The last few months, with government cuts hanging over us in England, have been difficult for everyone but something it has highlighted is the irreplaceable role that pharmacies play for the public.

The Department of Health’s community pharmacy funding ‘final package’ presents a significant challenge to community pharmacies across England.

Approximately 16 years ago I met Kirit Patel, Day Lewis Pharmacy, for the first time at the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre, for a Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee(PSNC) conference. After my election to the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) board, I was fortunate to meet Kirit again, who at the time was a contender for the chair of the NPA.