Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Katie Maddock is new chair of Pharmacy Schools Council

The Pharmacy Schools Council (PhSC) has elected Professor Katie Maddock as the organisation’s new chair.

Prior to becoming head of school at Keele University, Professor Maddock had been MPharm course director and associate dean for education for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, responsible for developing the clinical teaching at Keele.


Before joining Keele University, she taught clinical pharmacy and pharmacy practice at Aston University. Her research interests lie in pharmacy education, particularly the use of technology in teaching, clinical therapeutics, augmented reality simulation and interprofessional education. She was also awarded a principal fellowship of the Higher Education Academy in November 2020.

Having worked in hospital pharmacy, Professor Maddock is acutely aware of the pressures that Covid-19 has placed on healthcare, as well as the importance of retaining and building upon the positive changes to patient care and pharmacy practice that were developed in response to the pandemic.

Responding to the announcement that Prof. Maddock has become the new chair of the Pharmacy Schools Council, Professor Claire Anderson, RPS president, said: “We warmly welcome Professor Maddock’s appointment. Prof. Maddock is eminently qualified for the position, with a distinguished background in pharmacy education, in addition to experience of life on the frontline, having worked in pharmacy practice in secondary care.

“I know Prof. Maddock has a close understanding of the challenges and pressures pharmacists face, but also of the profession’s value and importance to the NHS and beyond.

“Pharmacy has a key role to play in tackling major challenges, from NHS capacity constraints to health inequalities. I look forward to working with Prof. Maddock and my RPS Assembly colleague Prof. Ruth Edwards to ensure continued high quality pharmacy education and training, and to advance the profession.”

More For You

Professor Sir Stephen Powis at a press briefing

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, was appointed national medical director of NHS England in 2018

NHS

NHS England’s top doctor to step down following Amanda Pritchard’s resignation

Just a week after NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard announced her resignation, the organisation’s national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, has confirmed he will step down this summer after more than seven years in the role.

In a statement released on Thursday, Professor Powis revealed that he had informed Pritchard of his intention to leave in a letter back in January.

Keep ReadingShow less
PDA calls on GP practices to use funding boost to improve job security for pharmacists

Now, it is time to focus on the community pharmacy contract

gettyimages

PDA urges GP practices to ensure funding boost supports employed pharmacists

The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has called on GP practicesto ensure that all healthcare professionals they employ, including pharmacists, benefit from the 7.2% funding boost they received under a newly agreed contract.

GP employers are encouraged to improve “job security, pay and conditions” for employees with this increased funding.

Keep ReadingShow less
Fourth Shift: Investment in Innovative Medicines Crucial for NHS 10-Year Plan Success

Medicines should be viewed as an investment rather than a cost

gettyimages

ABPI wants to see a ‘fourth shift’ in NHS 10-Year Health Plan


The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has called on the government to increase investment in innovative medicines and vaccines, describing it as a crucial “fourth shift” necessary to ensure the NHS is fit for the future.

Keep ReadingShow less
Asda pharmacy launches UK’s first adult earache service

Asda makes ear health more accessible for everyone

gettyimages

Asda pharmacy launches £25 adult earache service

British supermarket chain Asda has launched the “UK’s first” adult earache service, aiming to reduce the burden on NHS services by eliminating the need for a GP appointment.

Priced at £25, the service allows patients aged 18 and over to book same-day appointments with qualified Asda pharmacists at any of its 226 pharmacies in England.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dr Penelope Dash new chair of NHS England

Dr Penny Dash is currently the chair of the NHS North West London Integrated Care Board

parliamentlive

Dr Penelope Dash appointed as new chair of NHS England

Dr Penny Dash has been appointed as the next chair of NHS England following an open public appointment process.

She will succeed Richard Meddings, who is set to step down next month, and her four-year term begins on April 1, 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less