The Department of Health has announced the appointment of Dr Keith Ridge as the new Chief Pharmaceutical Officer. Working closely with the profession and influencing policy, Dr Ridge will support the implementation of the intentions set out in the NHS Improvement Plan, and Choosing Health. He will drive forward work on independent pharmacist prescribing and the pharmaceutical public health strategy.
Dr Ridge said: “Over the last few years, patients have demanded change to how health services are delivered, including pharmacy. The Government and the pharmacy profession have listened and are responding, putting pharmacy practitioners right at the front line of patient care.
“Prescribing of medicines by pharmacists and the new community pharmacy contract will increase access to healthcare. I intend to help make sure patients benefit from these and other initiatives.”
