Opinion: My first Pharmacy Show

My first pharmacy show: a freshman’s take on Birmingham’s big event

As the newly appointed Digital Editor of Communications International Group (CIG), I had no idea what to expect when I stepped into the buzzing halls of the NEC in Birmingham for my very first Pharmacy Show. I was walking into uncharted territory, but merely a few hours in, it felt like home. I had found my rhythm—and wow—what an experience!

The show not only opened my eyes to the depth and complexity of the pharmacy (and healthcare) sector, but it also left me with a newfound respect for the professionals driving it forward. And yes, I walked away with more knowledge than I had bargained for.

Aside from soaking up panel discussions and exhibits, the real highlight for me was networking with the passionate people who have made patient care their raison d'être. Face-to-face conversations, of which I had several, helped me develop a more robust understanding of the people—and the profession—almost as much as the official sessions.

Consequently, here are some key takeaways from my two jam-packed days at The Pharmacy Show 2024.

Pharmacy technicians: ready to level up
One of the big topics on the agenda was pharmacy technicians. There was a growing push for technicians to take on more responsibility, and it certainly seemed like the industry was ready to embrace that.

I was also struck by the emphasis on education, with plenty of chatter about new opportunities for technicians to continue their learning post-registration. There was clearly a thirst for career development—and that was exciting.

Then, there were the personal stories. It was inspiring to hear pharmacy technicians share their own journeys, adding colour and depth to what might otherwise have been a more sedate discussion about roles and responsibilities. Such intimate anecdotes made it clear just how varied and valuable their work is.

The Pharmacy First push: what’s next?
Pharmacy First was another hot topic—of conversation and debate. The consensus was about expanding this service, and quite rightly so. Clearly, it’s proving its worth, but there is certainly room to grow. I heard several calls to broaden the provision, adding more conditions to its scope that would make pharmacies even more of a go-to healthcare hub.

But here’s the real kicker—it wasn’t just about adding services. Independent prescribers were seen as key players in making this work. They were in the driver’s seat when it came to diagnosing and treating patients, and their leadership was considered crucial in boosting patient confidence.

Financial strains: can pharmacies cope?
Let’s talk money. The financial pressures on pharmacies right now are impossible to ignore. I felt the weight of that in the discussions around NHS funding—or the lack thereof. NHS England acknowledged the strain, particularly with payment targets for Pharmacy First being frozen until March 2025.

There’s still hope, though. Collaboration between pharmacies and GPs seemed to be a priority for the NHS, and the notion was that working together would help ease the burden and keep services like Pharmacy First growing.

Industry on edge: tax, Labour and the future
There was a bit of tension in the air regarding the future of the pharmacy business. A big worry? The potential tax changes likely to be brought about by the government. Some pharmacy owners were already considering selling up, which spoke volumes about the uncertainty hanging over the sector.

Yet, it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Paul Rees, the CEO of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), hit a more optimistic tone. He believed Labour might actually be on the side of pharmacies, especially when it came to securing better funding. His take? Labour’s response to the NPA’s campaign to reduce services and hours had been encouraging—so, fingers crossed!

The great debate: how should the sector speak to government?
One of the most memorable moments from the show was a lively (read fiery) debate between the NPA and the Independent Pharmacy Association (IPA) over the best way to influence government policy. It was a classic clash of strategies, with the NPA calling for unity and a collective voice, while the IPA argued for importance and independence.

Paul Rees was adamant that the industry needed to band together to fight for contractor interests. But Ian Strachan from the IPA stood firm on the need to represent the many different business models in the pharmacy world, and that diversity, he argued, was key.

This debate got me thinking about how complex advocacy in the pharmacy sector really is. It’s not just about speaking with one voice—it’s about making sure that voice reflects all the different players involved.

Final thoughts: the journey begins
For a rookie like me, The Pharmacy Show 2024 was an eye-opener. It left me with a better, more well-rounded grasp of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry—along with a profound respect for those working tirelessly to propel it forward.

I’m eager to see how these conversations evolve and how the pharmacy sector continues to adapt. And as I step further into this realm, I’m ready to keep learning, connecting and sharing insights with all of you. Stay tuned!

Related Links:
Pharmacy Show 2024: Increase conditions under Pharmacy First, insists CCA
NHS ‘recognises pain’ as it freezes Pharmacy First payment targets until 2025
Broad welcome for freeze in Pharmacy First thresholds until year end
Pharmacy technician CPD: First prescriptions for lipid management

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