What do Royal Pharmaceutical Society branches mean to pharmacists in Scotland?

摘要

The local branches of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain have provided support, education and networking opportunities for members since their inception. There are currently 130 branches in Britain, including 12 in Scotland. In recent years the role of the community pharmacist in particular has changed, partly as a result of NHS policy across the UK to include contracts around specific services such as medication review, public health and minor ailments. Pharmacists are being asked by patients, the NHS and by the Government to take on new and challenging responsibilities, which may require different ways of thinking and working. Peer support for these new roles is vital; arguably, pharmacists have never been more in need of peer support and networking opportunities, while the need for education and training is ongoing. The Society's local branch network was established in 1922, partly to meet these needs. Anecdotally meeting attendance at some branches is poor and some are inactive.