Celebrating our pharmacy professionals
In September and October we’re celebrating 2 days dedicated to pharmacy professionals. Read messages from key professional organisations and see how you can mark each of the days.
Pharmacy professionals make up an essential part of the multidisciplinary team, from arranging and managing medicine supplies to providing crucial information about the medication patients have been prescribed.
Their support can take shape in a variety of ways within Parkinson’s care and other long-term conditions:
- advising patients on how medications for different conditions interact
- explaining how to take medications, including advice on medication timings and how to schedule taking medication around meals
- raising awareness for potential side effects
- support with reviewing medications
- liaising with other health professionals to suggest changes to medication.
World Pharmacist Day, 25 September
This year’s theme for World Pharmacist Day, ‘Think health, think pharmacy’ acknowledges the underutilisation of the role and calls for the recognition of pharmacists’ expertise as an essential resource for healthcare systems and communities.
''World Pharmacist Day is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the contribution pharmacists make to improving all aspects of the care of people with Parkinson’s (PwP). On behalf of The Parkinson’s Disease Specialist Pharmacy Network (PDSPN), I would like to thank my colleagues and all our members for the amazing work you do every day to support people with Parkinson's on their Parkinson's journey.''
Stephanie Bancroft BSc MRPharmS
PDSPN Chair
''Pharmacists play a vital role in the care of patients with Parkinson’s disease, providing expertise to manage complex drug regimens, monitor for adverse effects, and help with adherence to medicines, which is critical given the time-sensitive nature of Parkinson’s treatments.
''Pharmacists in primary and secondary care also empower patients to better understand side effects, and support them to navigate treatment challenges, liaising with the multidisciplinary team to maintain continuity of care.''
Professor Claire Anderson
Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) President
World Pharmacy Technician Day, 21 October
The day brings an opportunity for pharmacy professionals and colleagues to shine a light on another important member of the pharmacy team. The National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) is sharing a variety of resources to spread the word about this year’s campaign, 'More than just a tech'.
Visit the NPTA website to download social media and physical resources to mark the day.
''On World Pharmacy Technician Day, we recognise and celebrate the invaluable contribution pharmacy technicians make in supporting people with Parkinson’s. Through their expertise, compassion, and commitment, they help ensure safe, effective use of medicines and provide vital support that makes a real difference to people with Parkinson's, their families and carers every day.''
Mary Carter, FAPharmT
Pharmacy Technician and Lead Training Programme Director at Pharmacy Workforce Development South
"Pharmacy technicians are integral to the multidisciplinary care of people with Parkinson’s, applying their medicines expertise with compassion to support safe and effective treatment, reduce medicines-related challenges, and ensure personalised care. Through their close involvement in medicines management and collaboration across health care settings, they support people with Parkinson’s to live well with their condition."
Amy Laflin
Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK Vice President
Support for pharmacy professionals
- Join our Parkinson's Disease Specialist Pharmacy Network (PDSPN).
- Explore our resources for hospital and community based pharmacy professionals.
- Discover our learning library.
Thank you to the RPS, our own PDSPN, and Mary Carter for joining us in celebrating pharmacists’ and pharmacy technicians’ skills.
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