The Pharmacy Management Journal was first published in May 1985. Here's the editorial from that very first edition.
Many important areas of pharmacy practice have their own specialised organisations which provide a forum for all those interested in that particular aspect of practice. These specialist organisations may provide local or national meetings, arrange workshops, study days or weekends, arrange competitive awards and a host of other activities. In parallel with these organised functions there are a number of
journals published which provide a forum for the publication of articles relating to many aspects of the science or practice of pharmacy.
journals published which provide a forum for the publication of articles relating to many aspects of the science or practice of pharmacy.
One aspect of practice in the hospital service that is not covered specifically in any of the publications available to date is that of management. "Pharmacy Management" aims to correct that omission and to fill what is a substantial gap in current pharmaceutical literature.
Hospital pharmacy has developed considerably over the last decade and now is arguably the leading branch of the profession. However, for a number of reasons this position is under considerable threat and senior hospital pharmacists, as the managers of the service, have a heavy responsibility as they alone can preserve this position for the benefit of the health service and for the patient.
"Pharmacy Management" aims to provide a forum for senior hospital pharmacists and others in managerial positions to discuss and debate management matters, particularly as they relate to the hospital service. Efficient and cost effective management is a vital element of any organisation; to the health service in its current state of flux it is little short of essential. Resources have to be used as efficiently as possible and woe betide the manager, pharmaceutical or otherwise who ignores this behest. The pressure in the health service for efficient management has never been so great and this pressure will undoubtedly increase still further.
Regional reviews are undertaken by the DHSS on an annual basis when targets are set for the next twelve months and performance over the previous twelve months monitored and checked against targets. Any overspending is rigorously examined and is carried over to the next year when it has to be recouped. Regions in turn undertake equally rigorous annual reviews of district performances. Pharmacy, as a direct patient service, is subject to these constraints to the same extent as any other service.
Performance indicators are coming increasingly to the fore as a means of monitoring and comparing services and this is but one manifestation of the increasing pressure being brought to bear on hospital managers. It was in the light of this increasing awareness in the hospital service and in the perceived absence of such a journal that the decision to launch "Pharmacy Management" was made.
It is hoped that this quarterly publication will bring together the accumulated knowledge and experience that exists within hospital pharmacy. We look upon it as the focus for all matters relating to pharmaceutical management. After all, hospital pharmacy has had more reorganisations than the NHS over the last fifteen years and so the accumulated experience should be second to none.
Griffiths and its implementation is upon us - the challenges are there for us to grasp. "Pharmacy Management" will, we hope, help in acting as the medium for the discussion of all pertinent matters.
Management in hospital pharmacy circles is a speciality that has for too long been overlooked by the press. We hope to redress the balance and in so doing we would invite you to participate, either by submitting articles, or by contributing through correspondence.
Documents
“Medicines Management Initiatives around the country” – South of England
Paul Jerram speaks at the Pharmacy Management Seminar, February 2010
“Medicines Management Initiatives around the country” – Midlands
Val Shaw speaks at the Pharmacy Manaegment Seminar, February 2010
“Medicines Management Initiatives around the country” – North of England
Stuart Lakin speaks at the Pharmacy Management Seminar, February 2010
“Hospital Prescribing Policies internally and externally” – to meet the needs of the Local Healthcare Economy
Ian Bourns speaks at the Pharmacty Management Seminar, February 2010
Roles of Area prescribing Committees to reflect PCT objectives in Medicines Management
Andrew Riley speaks at the Pharmacy Management National Seminar, February 2010
Guidance from National Bodies regarding Cost Control
Jennifer Field speaks at the Pharmacy Management Seminar, February 2010
Collaborative Management of Medicines expenditure across primary and secondary care.
Peter Sharott speaks at the Pharmacy Management National Seminar, February 2010
Leadership - New Year, New Decisions
Hilary Shields JP, Director of Inspire Change Limited.
Pharmacy and the Future - the New Professional Leadership Body
David Thomson, Deputy Lead, Community Pharmacy Development, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Face2Face - Independent Pharmacy Consultant
Shailen Rao, Soar Beyond Ltd, 9 Cannon St, St Albans, Herts AL3 5JR
A General Practice Surgery with an On-site Pharmacy – Creating Synergy
Dr Carole Buckley, Principal in General Practice at The Old School Surgery, Bristol/Clinical lead for prescribing NHS Bristol/Director GP Care Pharmacy Ltd
Can A Little Bit Of Toyota Benefit Your Pharmacy Team?
Saskia Vercaeren, Highly Specialist Cardiac Pharmacist, Stuart Semple, Director of Pharmacy and Medicines Management, Sotiris Antoniou, Principal Clinical Pharmacist Cardiac Services, Barts and The...
How Can Effective Medicines Reconciliation Be Achieved?
Author - Mark Ashley, Clinical Pharmacy Manager/Independent Pharmacist Prescriber, Taunton and Somerset Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, Somerset TA1 5DA
The Prescribing Pharmacist in Primary Care
Presentation given by Helen Williams, Consultant Pharmacist for Cardiovascular Disease South East London (NHS), Medicines Management Team, Southwark PCT at the Pharmacy Management National Seminar...
Clarion Call Response - Jonathan Mason
Jonathan Mason, National Clinical Director for Primary Care and Community Pharmacy responds to the Clarion Call from Mike Beaman in the previous edition (The Primacy of Pharmacy - a case in waiting?):
Management Conundrum - How should a Business Case be prepared?
Responses and advice from Ian Bourns and George Downie
Face2Face - The Role of the Medicines Management Technician
An interview with Nicola Watson, Medicines Management Technician, Medway PCT
The Role of a Medicines Management Team In Enabling Self Management of Exacerbations of COPD
Authors - Val Shaw, Assistant Chief Pharmacist and COPD Lead, NHS Cambridgeshire and Ted Yeoman COPD Project Manager, NHS Cambridgeshire. Summary: outlines the importance of COPD as a disease...