This afternoon’s discussion will focus on the question: is the MPharm still fit for purpose? We’ve seen lots of changes to the MPharm in recent years to stay in line with the shift in pharmacy practice away from dispensing and towards clinical services. But is the MPharm keeping pace with changes to everyday pharmacy practice? And is the shift towards independent prescribing in undergraduate degrees the right move? So, where along the spectrum do your own views lie? Join the Big Debate to tell us what you think. We’re expecting lots of your will want to share your views on this important topic. Simply type your comment or question into the ‘leave a reply’ box below and let us know what you think. The “live” part of the debate will close at 2pm, but feel free to continue to exchange views for as long as you like. Join your pharmacy peers this afternoon to discuss: Whether the content of the MPharm is keeping up with the realities of modern pharmacy practice What fluctuating registration exam pass rates do and don't tell us about the quality of pharmacy education The pros and cons of baking independent prescribing training into the MPharm C+D has introduced a streamlined functionality that allows users to mention each other in a comment. Simply use ‘@’ and type in the person’s name. This debate will start at 1pm.

Tonight’s discussion will focus on the question: should pharmacist recruitment into the additional roles reimbursement system (ARRS) be halted? The ARRS, introduced in England in 2019, reimburses primary care networks (PCNs) for the salaries of several healthcare professionals – including pharmacists – as a way to help build multidisciplinary teams. The scheme has proven controversial over the past year or so. While ARRS advocates have defended it as a means by which pharmacists can gain experience working in a multidisciplinary setting, its detractors have warned of an exodus of community pharmacists as many flock to work in primary care. Some representative groups have even called for an end to the ARRS in light of “urgent…workforce issues” in community pharmacy, while others have suggested the need for pharmacy to have its own equivalent of the ARRS. But with community pharmacy’s future seemingly defined by the introduction of more clinical services, it seems clear that pharmacists’ role as the experts in medicine will become more important than ever - with PCNs eager to harness these skills. So, where along the spectrum do your own views lie? Join the Big Debate to tell us what you think. We’ve got two speakers lined up to share their views tonight, but you can also let us know your thoughts by commenting and asking questions. The “live” part of the debate will close at 8pm, but feel free to continue to exchange views for as long as you like. Join your pharmacy peers tonight to discuss: - The impact ARRS recruitment has had on community pharmacy - How it is affecting primary care - The benefits of working in general practice pharmacy - What can be done to make jobs in community pharmacy more attractive C+D has introduced a streamlined functionality that allows users to mention each other in a comment. Simply use ‘@’ and type in the person’s name. This debate will start at 7pm.

Community pharmacy in England is currently wrestling with the worst crisis of its professional history. We must act to save our local pharmacies, our futures and our sectors’s relevance to society and the NHS. Our pharmacies are being undermined and starved of funding, this is irresponsible and the consequences are reckless to the public and to a sector that has given far more than it’s ever taken.  It is time for us all to stand together. No one in community pharmacy can afford to miss this event. To this effect I am inviting you to attend an emergency webinar on Tuesday 25th April at 7.30pm. We will be joined by the Chair of APPG and Member of the Parliament Taiwo Owatemi and experts, and of course you. Several Parliamentarian will also tune in to listen. We strongly suggest that all pharmacy contractors invite their local MP to this webinar. I want to rally you all to subscribe and understand our plans and next steps. It is important we reach beyond organisations, trade associations, pharmacy politics, and focus this once on community pharmacy.  If you are planning to attend the webinar please register here and the login will be sent to you in the coming days before the webinar. 

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) has today (February 4) announced that Janet Morrison will become its new CEO from March. https://www.chemistanddruggist.co.uk/CD135887/PSNC-appoints-Janet-Morrison-as-new-CEO  But which issue facing contractors in England do you think Ms Morrison should address first? Comment below.

The live element of this debate – which asks: is there a shortage of community pharmacists? – will start at 7pm and last until 8pm, but two of the panellists who are unable to join the live element have preprepared statements. Please find them posted below to read before the live discussion. For planned topics of conversation in this debate, see here. See you online from 7pm. Ps. C+D has introduced a streamlined functionality that allows users to mention each other in a comment. Simply use ‘@’ and type in the person’s name.