The Welsh Government has commissioned the Royal Pharmaceutical Society to undertake an independent review of the future of clinical pharmacy services provided in NHS hospitals in Wales.
Building on the many excellent and innovative examples of good practice already happening in hospitals in Wales, the review will draw on international best practices to help shape how future services will support the immediate and longer-term priorities of the NHS. The review will consider the opportunities presented by the wider use of digital technology, the planned deployment of electronic prescribing in every hospital in Wales, and reforms to undergraduate education, meaning all pharmacists registering in 2026 will be prescribers.
The independent review will create a set of recommendations and blueprints, to inform the transformation of clinical services provided by pharmacy teams.
The RPS review team will be working closely with the hospital pharmacy workforce and will shortly be engaging with pharmacy teams to hear about the clinical pharmacy services they provide and the impact they have on patient outcomes.
Information about the review will be published regularly.
Andrew Evans, Chief Pharmaceutical officer at the Welsh Government said:
“I am delighted the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has been commissioned to support the review of clinical pharmacy services provided in NHS hospitals in Wales. Hospital pharmacy practice has always been at the forefront of innovation in the delivery of pharmaceutical care.
“As we emerge from the pandemic, the NHS faces significant challenges in delivering urgent and emergency, and planned care. The review will ensure the skills and expertise of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians working in the NHS are best utilised to meet those challenges.”