NPA, IPF and AIMp join forces on manifesto for independents
by Pharmacy Life - Published on 22 March 2013
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA), Independent Pharmacy Federation (IPF) Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMp) have launched a consultation on their collaborative vision for independent pharmacy: A Manifesto for Independent Community Pharmacy.
The three-month consultation will involve engagement events across the UK, as well as surveys of independents and direct member input into discussions at NPA board level.
‘In all of the NPA’s public policy work, we have the interests of independent community pharmacy front and centre – the Manifesto project is a clear demonstration of this commitment,’ said NPA chief executive, Mike Holden. ‘The Manifesto will describe a vision for independent community pharmacy, set out the overarching threats and opportunities for independents and consider solutions at a strategic and operational level. It will be an ambitious agenda which is entirely focused on independents and independent multiples, but the themes are likely to resonate across the whole sector.
‘We intend to build the Manifesto from the ground up – with wide and deep engagement amongst independent pharmacy owners across the UK. This means that it will be robust enough to underpin the NPA’s public policy programme for years to come and, for England, give a reference point for the NPA representatives on the Pharmacy Voice board.
‘We are pleased to be working with IPF and AIMp on the project, which is part of an ongoing and deepening collaboration. This will ensure the widest possible reach for the conversation on the Manifesto.’
‘The reforms in the NHS bring both opportunities and challenges for independent pharmacists,’ added IPF chief executive, Claire Ward. ‘ If we are to deliver the best patient outcomes and improve pharmacy businesses, we need to understand the best way to work in this new environment. By working across all three independent pharmacy bodies we can harness the views, skills and passions of our members to construct a framework for the future that we can all unite around and campaign to implement.’
‘The Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies is delighted to be engaged in the development of this important Manifesto for the independent pharmacy sector,’ said AIMp chief executive, Colin Baldwin. ‘Independent multiples are a vibrant community of successful pharmacy businesses which demonstrate high professional standards, the ability to balance commercial and professional imperatives, a willingness to respond quickly and decisively to the challenges presented by a swiftly changing environment and an aptitude to seize opportunities for the development of successful and professional businesses into the future. AIMp members are highly supportive of the NPA and benefit greatly from the services which it provides. We are anxious to ensure that this important policy development agenda is fully informed of the views of our sector and we welcome the chance to be directly engaged in this consultation process and the building of the Manifesto.’
Independent pharmacy owners can shape the Manifesto at one of several engagement events across the UK, or by completing the Manifesto consultation document at www.npa.co.uk/independentsvoice.
The Manifesto will be published in the summer, probably at the NPA conference in Manchester on 30 June.