Chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s (RPS) Scottish Pharmacy Board (SPB), John Cromarty, has called for assurances that all stakeholders will be consulted on any decisions affecting pharmacy or the healthcare system in Scotland following the country’s referendum vote to remain a part of the UK.
In the run-up to the referendum, the three pro-union parties — the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats — promised further powers for the Scottish government, as part of the ‘Better Together’ campaign. After the vote, Prime Minister David Cameron said those promises would be honoured “in full”.
Cameron promised that powers over tax, spending and welfare would be agreed by November 2014 and that legislation will be drafted by January 2015.
However, the Cameron added that “just as the people of Scotland will have more power over their affairs, so it follows that the people of England, Wales and Northern Ireland must have a bigger say over theirs. The rights of these voters need to be respected, preserved and enhanced as well.”
“It is, however, worth stating that the proposals for how the UK and its four constituent nations might manage their affairs will create an intense period of unprecedented change within a very tight timetable, says Cromarty. “The SPB seeks assurances from all parties that issues in relation to policies impacting on our healthcare system and pharmacy in Scotland are appropriately considered and consulted upon.”
Over the coming months the SPB will continue to engage closely with all parties to maximise our influence and will also be developing its manifesto for pharmacy ahead of the Scottish elections in 2016.”
A spokesperson for the RPS says: “As health policy is devolved to the Scottish Parliament, this is mirrored by the elected RPS Scottish Pharmacy Board (SPB) having full autonomy to take forward professional matters and set its policy direction on behalf of Scottish members.”
