PSNC has appointed Sue Killen, former chief executive of St John Ambulance, as its new chair.

Ms Killen (pictured) comes into the role having served 10 years at St John Ambulance and is a one-time interim chief executive and registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

She is currently vice-chair at Clarion, the UK’s largest social housing association, and takes over at PSNC from Sir Michael Pitt.

“I am delighted to take on this role at such an important time for the future of community pharmacy. I know from my previous roles what an essential role pharmacists play in community health,” Ms Killen said.

“I believe strongly that the NHS long-term plan provides an opportunity to develop this further and to secure greater recognition for the vital role community pharmacists play.”

Killen, who also headed up an independent review of palliative care services for children and young people in England, officially starts as PSNC chair on September 1.

“It is a pleasure to welcome Sue Killen to PSNC and we are looking forward to drawing on her wealth of experience and skills to help us in our work,” said PSNC chief executive Simon Dukes.

“Sue will undoubtedly prove a key asset as we work to promote community pharmacy to policy makers and to guide the sector through the potentially radical changes ahead.

“We would also like to thank Sir Mike Pitt for all his work on behalf of PSNC and community pharmacies over the past four years, helping to steer the Committee through some particularly challenging times.”