Claire Anderson, National Pharmacy Board campaign letter

NHS England is increasingly recognising pharmacists’ expertise, but for the value of pharmacy to be fully recognised we must ensure that all we do is underpinned by evidence. The evidence base for new services and roles is really important and we must ensure that pharmacists are all involved in collecting data for research and evidence-based practice.

Using this evidence, we can show commissioners that pharmacy can be a central part of the multidisciplinary healthcare team and encourage them to invest in pharmacy and pay for integrated, patient-centred services.

I have worked on numerous projects in this area, for example prescribing, sale of OTC medicines, medicines reviews, flu vaccinations, cancer services, new services within STPs and pharmacists in GP surgeries. Following my work on people’s experiences of taking antidepressants, I campaigned in parliament to extend the New Medicines Service for antidepressants.

If re-elected I will continue to do this and to ensure that the RPS provides support and mentoring for practice based and clinical research.

Claire Anderson, England