Today we’ve raised the issue of medicine shortages with the media. Our spokespeople have fronted over 20 interviews representing the profession which were rolled out across a further 40 stations, ensuring widespread coverage of the hard work pharmacists do every day tracking down medicines for patients.
RPS England Board Chair Sandra Gidley kicked off the day with an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, followed by RPS President Ash Soni on BBC's Victoria Derbyshire and BBC TV News, whilst Director for England Ravi Sharma did back-to-back interviews on BBC local radio and Director of Pharmacy and Member Experience Robbie Turner was interviewed by the BBC News Channel.
Medicine shortages are an increasing problem. A range of factors are responsible for shortages, such as manufacturing problems, global demand for medicines and fluctuations in the exchange rate. Our spokespeople reassured the public that pharmacists are working hard to get them the medicines they need, but would prefer to be talking to patients rather than suppliers.
All our interviewees were asked about a potential link between medicine shortages and Brexit. The RPS is clear there is no link. Meedicine shortages have been around for many years, and the situation will continue to be managed effectively and safely by pharmacists in collaboration GPs.
Watch Robbie Turner on the BBC News Channel:
Watch Ash Soni on BBC Victoria Derbyshire: