Since the last annual report, there have been eight group meetings; three professional meetings, three business meetings and two social meetings. Average attendance at the meetings was around 20

None of the meetings were with invited G.H.P. Officers, although the District Member was in attendance at most.

The Group Committee met once, on May 29th, to determine the syllabus for the 1997/98 session.

Membership at March 1998 is around the 200-250 mark. An accurate figure is not available.

The Group was not represented at the Group Secretaries Day due to the change in Group Secretary at the Annual General Meeting. It was not possible for the new incumbent to attend.

The Group was represented at the Group Delegates Meeting by the Group Chairman and Treasurer.

The Group was represented at the Weekend School by the District Member.

This was the AGM and last meeting in the 1996/97 session. There was discussion on the proposal to change the name of the Guild. The Group Committee was elected at the meeting, and the office bearers appointed were -

As last year, the bowling night was held early in the session, instead of during the winter. In a change to the normal series of events, the winners were West Glasgow Hospitals Trust.

This meeting explored The options and opportunities for continuous professional development, and featured speakers from the Guild(myself), SCPPE, CPP and the Association of Scottish Trust Chief Pharmacists. The presentations were made available to members in the form of a booklet produced by the District Member.

The Business Meeting had its usual low attendance. However, there was some useful discussion on the G.D.M. motions, and the selection of delegates.

This was a joint meeting with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain on the subject of medicines choice on a limited budget entitled "Your money or your life"

This was the quiz night. I was unable to attend since Guild Council met the same day.

This meeting on the subject of advances in HIV therapy was addressed by Professor Chris McGuigan who gave a very impressive talk on viruses and antiviral agents. Unfortunately this meeting was not as well attended as it should have been.

The one meeting of the session remaining is the A.G.M. which takes place on Thursday 2nd April 1998.

There have been some problems this year with regard to communication within the Group. Several accredited reps have moved on to other posts and have not been replaced. Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Stirling Royal Infirmary, the Victoria Infirmary and the Southern General Hospital are among those where no reps exist. In several other trusts, I am in contact with the Chief Pharmacists who keep me up to date. However, it is worrying that, especially at this time, few pharmacists are willing to become involved.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to tempt members to come along to the professional meetings. This appears to be mainly due to the increased provision of professional meetings by various pharmacy organisations, many of which also have attendance problems.

The end of March will see the publication of the Health Boards' plans for trust mergers. During the consultation period, I am sure that there will be an increase in membership, as the plans are discussed.

COLIN RODDEN
9 March 1998