As the health needs of patients become more complex, and our growing older population relies on an ever-increasing number of medicines, the future pharmacy workforce will need to adapt to provide the best possible clinical care.

The RPS is gathering views on the future of the pharmacy workforce a summit on 5 February 2013. Looking at issues around workforce planning today will enable the pharmacists of tomorrow to best meet the needs of patients and the wider public and deliver best practice across the sector. RPS President Martin Astbury and Chief Executive Helen Gordon, along with RPS Board members and Directors will be amongst those at the summit which will identify and examine the key issues involved in delivering what patients will need from the future pharmacy workforce. The summit will:

• Explain current demographics and numbers of MPharm student intakes.

• Describe current pharmacy workforce planning approaches.

• Identify dental and international approaches to workforce planning.

• Cite current evidence about the pharmacy workforce.

• Discuss the role of universities, employers and other key stakeholders in planning the future pharmacy workforce.

• Illustrate what patients and public need from the future pharmacy workforce.

Christopher John, RPS Workforce Development Support, who is leading the workshop session at the summit said: "Planning for future numbers of pharmacists is critical to providing high quality patient care. The future pharmacist workforce will need to change to match the needs of patients and the event will discuss this issue in detail. For those unable to attend, a report will be available to make sure the debate continues".