National Forum for Scotland

We are delighted to announce that PM Heathcare are returning to face-to-face conferences. The first of these will be our annual  National Forum for Scotland which will be held in the Voco Hotel at Glasgow Central Station on the 25th October 2022.

Whilst virtual conferences have given us a valuable new way to share information and best practice, there is no doubt that there is an appetite to return to the face-to-face medium for certain events.

The National Forum for Scotland agenda has been created with Directors of Pharmacy from across the Scottish Health Boards and will provide a perfect platform to hear case studies, debates and examples of best practice. In addition, there will be ample opportunity to network and once again meet with friends, colleagues and like-minded professionals.

We very much hope that a great number of NHS professionals from across Scotland will be able to join us on the day. Please take a moment to look at the agenda and book your place as soon as possible as places will be limited.

Session Synopses:

Director of Pharmacy Scotland (DoPS) Strategic Framework

Scott Garden -Director of Pharmacy & Medicines NHS Lothian

The COVID19 pandemic has provided the DoPS group with an opportunity to develop its ways of working and following a full review a refreshed strategic framework has been developed. This framework focuses on enhancing the interdependence of Pharmacy leaders and optimising national working relationships with key partners. It describes the collective roles of the DoPS group in Scotland, how the DoPS group identifies and delivers its key priorities and how to maximise the influence of Pharmacy throughout the NHS five-year recovery and renewal.

What have been the learnings and best practice to emerge from pharmacy managing the pandemic?

Minesh Parbat - Chief Pharmacist - NHS North Solihull Primary Care Network

Over the past 2 years pharmacy has been essential to the successful delivery of the vaccination program medicines supply and advice. This presentation will explore the following learning points and reflections: 

How has Pharmacy practice changed positively as a result of the learnings from COVID?

What has now been integrated in to every day activity that will benefit patients and healthcare professionals.

Education Reforms As Catalysts For The Evolution Of Pharmacy Roles

Susan Roberts: Associate Postgraduate Dean (NHS Education for Scotland)

The demands on the NHS and its people have never been greater. Pharmacy is at a pivotal point in our profession’s history. The NHS in recovery needs to support all it’s people to provide the care they are capable of, to meet demand. Pharmacy must step with confidence into the grey of direct clinical care, releasing our potential as holistic care professionals focusing on the best use of medicines. All practicing as clinicians, educators, leaders, and researchers throughout our careers.

Education is a key enabler in this evolution. It provides a catalyst to enable the workforce to grasp this opportunity. At the end of this session participants will understand why education reforms are needed for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, the key changes underway and the potential impact on the service.  Other enabling factors for pharmacy workforce evolution will also be proposed. Participants should leave understanding what they can expect as individuals and as service leaders and key actions they can undertake.

The horizon for Community Pharmacy has never been brighter

Pharmacy Practice - the Future is Community!

Harry McQuillan: Chief Executive Officer – Community Pharmacy Scotland

This session will cover the evolution of community practice in Scotland, the current service provision and then concentrate on what the future could and arguably should, look like. Throughout the session delegates will be asked to participate and interact with the presenter, sharing and exchanging views.

A Chief Executive’s View - Pharmacy and Medicines – Flourishing in Fife

Carol Potter - Chief Executive, NHS Fife

Carol Potter is Chief Executive of NHS Fife, leading a team of around 10,000 people to provide healthcare to a population of more than 370,000 – including some of the most and least affluent communities in Scotland – across one city, several large towns, and hundreds of small rural villages.  Carol Potter will, from her personal perspective, describe what makes a progressive pharmacy team ready to meet the current and future challenges in delivering person centred healthcare.

Looking after yourself and creating your own personal resilience agenda

Jill Cruickshank- Coach, Trainer, Speaker - Leading2Solutions

An interactive session which will explore resilience (what it is and what it's not) and give delegates some simple and practical self care ideas that can help minimise burnout and maximise their wellbeing.

This event will be funded by Viatris UK Healthcare Limited and STADA UK Thornton & Ross Ltd through event sponsorship and sponsored satellite sessions. These companies have had no input into the design or content of the workshop agenda (other than their own sessions) but will be in attendance on the day.