What's Happening?
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has unveiled its new goals for the period 2025-2028, aimed at advancing pharmacy services in Wales. These goals are part of the broader 2030 vision titled 'Pharmacy: delivering a healthier Wales.' The RPS highlighted the progress made since the original vision was launched in 2019, noting improvements such as increased clinical services closer to home and the rollout of electronic prescribing across all settings. The new goals focus on embedding prevention and wellbeing, delivering electronic prescribing, transforming aseptic services, increasing patient access to pharmacist independent prescribers, expanding the skill mix of pharmacy teams, and creating innovative career pathways. The goals were shaped through engagement with over 500 stakeholders, including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, support staff, students, patient representatives, and healthcare partners.
Why It's Important?
The advancement of pharmacy services in Wales is significant as it aims to ensure equitable access to healthcare across the region. By focusing on electronic prescribing and expanding the skill mix of pharmacy teams, the RPS is addressing the need for more efficient and accessible healthcare services. This initiative is expected to benefit patients by providing more clinical services closer to home and improving the overall quality of care. The emphasis on prevention and wellbeing reflects a shift towards proactive healthcare, which can lead to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. The transformation of pharmacy services also supports the workforce by creating innovative career pathways and addressing the pressures faced by healthcare professionals.
What's Next?
The Welsh government has announced that the electronic prescription service (EPS) is now available in seven out of ten pharmacies, with plans to fully roll out the service by November 2026. This development marks a significant step forward in healthcare digitalization, with over a million prescriptions being transferred electronically between GPs and pharmacies each month. The continued progress of the profession through the delivery of the 2028 goals will be closely monitored, as stakeholders work towards achieving the overarching 2030 aims. The RPS and its partners will continue to drive momentum and ensure that the goals reflect the needs of patients and the pharmacy workforce.
Beyond the Headlines
The focus on pharmacogenomics within the RPS goals highlights the potential for personalized medicine, which can lead to more effective treatments tailored to individual genetic profiles. This approach could revolutionize pharmaceutical care by improving drug efficacy and reducing adverse effects. The integration of automation and electronic prescribing also points to a future where pharmacy services are more streamlined and efficient, potentially reducing the burden on healthcare systems and improving patient outcomes. The commitment to research and development in pharmacy practice encourages innovation, which is crucial for adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape.
