Sultan ‘Sid’ Dajani, National Pharmacy Board campaign letter

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society exists to improve the the profession of pharmacy throughout GB and be a magnet for pharmacists who care. It’s truly quite unique as the only body for pharmacy and all sectors. While our diversity is a huge strength, we must also vigorously meet all of our members’ expectations, aims and aspirations!

This is clearly a marathon, rather than a sprint, and I hope further details in my election statement and letters along with my track record, will show I have a good handle on the profession, that I’ve engaged tirelessly and have consistently connected the dots between big-picture strategy and frontline reality. However, while I’ve successfully helped implement many things, there’s much left to do — after all, success is a journey, not a destination

Some would disagree; seeing the panacea as a fresh voice, but the singular truth is no sole voice reverses or controls external influences, unsavoury realities or unscrupulous government policy. One voice only commands change when it’s an autocratic committee of one. Furthermore, there is no monopoly for new ideas, borne only from regular interaction with the whole profession, adaptability, current practice, knowing what makes members ‘mad, sad and glad’, and the experience of turning concepts into effective solutions.

If we want:

• A professional body that provides a place for all in pharmacy — from generalist to specialist to advanced practitioner across all sectors; that promotes us widely to the public and effectively at the highest levels of influence
• An RPS which cultivates, develops and actively supports forward thinking practitioners
• A flagship building that’s more affordable for all members and sector group
• LPFs that are inclusive, valued, free-spirited and free to act in the interests and support of members
• A PLB that’s independent — not simply a convenient channel to voice the ambitions of others with woeful disjointed strategy.
• A collaborative Workforce Strategy for workforce development and to reduce workplace stress. An evolving suite of services that’ll include Protected Learning Time, revalidation tools, GP pharmacists networking with local pharmacies, individualised representation/support and reduce abuse and violence against pharmacy teams to make safer environments. To help us cope with increasing pharmaceutical care complexity
• Strength of conviction, the clarity of decision, the solidarity of members and the precision of detail.

Then only a strong team will deliver that, above any ‘one’ voice and with your support, our professions’ aspirations will be delivered. Thank you.

Sultan ‘Sid’ Dajani