District Member Wales There is still no District Member for Wales. However, a candidate has been identified, who will stand for election next year. In the interim, Bob McArtney will cover the vacancy.
Presidents Report There was some discussion about the impending expiry of the reciprocity agreement with Australia and New Zealand. This is due to finish because of the prohibitive expense required for the RPSGB to validate all the degree courses in those countries, as required by EU legislation. As neither Australia or New Zealand are bound by the same legislation as the UK, they will decide for themselves whether to retain their recognition of UK degrees. This will pose considerable problems around the UK as a whole, but in London and the South East in particular. The President also mentioned a meeting with the Health Minister where one of the topics discussed was pharmacy practices which are currently illegal, but are being carried out all over the country. Examples such as changing prescriptions, stopping drugs, IV to oral switching and formulary substitution were mentioned. Further discussion on this is to take place on the GHP web Forum before a response to the Minister is produced. Another outcome of this meeting is that there are to be 2-3 meetings each year between GHP and the DoH to discuss a range of topics of mutual interest.
Agenda for Change All profiles, with the exception of the pre-registration pharmacist, have been agreed and signed off. The ballot result was noted as being very close, with a 41% response being considered good. The Staff Council has had its first meeting and is considering its Terms of Reference and Agenda.
Professional Agenda The Council Workplan has been amended and is almost ready to be put on to the members pages of the www.ghp.org.uk website.
GHP Medal Nominations Nominations have been requested for the GHP Gold and Silver Medals. The Gold Medal is presented to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the practice and/or politics of hospital pharmacy at national level which would be recognised by the majority of the membership. The silver medal to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the practice and/or politics of hospital pharmacy at local level. Nominations must be made through a member of Guild Council for the Gold Medal and through the District Member for the Silver. Please let me have details of any nominations you wish me to make. Nominations must include a CV of the nominee and short supporting statement explaining why the nominee meets the terms of reference, and the closing date is 31st December.
Practice Committee The new Duthie Report has been signed off by England, Scotland and Wales. It is hoped that it will be on the RPSGB website in December and may also be available from the Practice Division in hardcopy at a cost.
Education and Development The DoH Consultant Pharmacist Project is continuing. A Wider Reference Group has been established to define the role, competency framework and recruitment process. A draft job evaluation profile has been completed. An approval process will be required to allow use of the title and there was significant discussion on the registration requirements if this is to be monitored and controlled.
ANC 2005: Glasgow Moat House Hotel, April 15-17 2005 The draft programme for the conference was discussed and various suggestions put forward.
Healthcare Pharmacy The GHP journal may soon be consigned to history. All health publications within Amicus are to be incorporated into one, 32 page, bi-monthly journal. Any profession specific information is to be sent via an electronic newsletter. As the major criteria in this decision appeared to be whether particular journals made a profit or loss, Healthcare Pharmacy was disadvantaged from the start. It has always been produced at a loss, but seen as a service to members.
Amicus Website A report on the proposed new amicus website was given. This will allow members to have their own profile and allow them to change their membership record details online.
Colin Rodden 26.11.04