After a well attended Special General Meeting and Debate, the next question is whether our Leadership are able and willing to persuade the Department of Health to incorporate the substance of the overwhelming feelings and content of the Resolutions passed at the SGM into the body of the new Pharmacy Order.
As a co-opted Member of the Social Policy Sub-Committee of the Home Policy Committee of the Labour Party from 1974-80,and also as a past Member of Council of the PSGB 1967-72,and a past Member of the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee for 2 Terms;I know that if the Dept of Health Civil Servants have no wish to adhere to the wishes of the profession,in order for Pharmacists not registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council to retain their hard-earned professional titles it may well be necessary for a well concerted Lobby of M.Ps to bring pressure on the govt. to change the Civil Servants’ minds!
Whilst this may not earn the award of many O.B.Es etc. for the eminent members of Council,if it achieves a well won objective for their members,it will demonstrate to the govt that “gentlemanly” pharmacists are no easy walkover when it comes to matters of great importance to the profession.
Remember a General Election is not too far away!!
