Seasons greetings from the BPA executive

As we come to closing another year, 2022 has proven extremely challenging for BPA members and pharmacists in general as we moved out of the pandemic problems of 2021 to face new challenges within community pharmacy.

The year has seen increasing inflation and a worrying time for many with the cost of living crisis. In pharmacy funding at a global level continues to be challenged at a time where once again Community Pharmacy is being seen more of a first point of contact for patients.

Whilst this has meant new services and extensions to existing Pharmacy Services we have also seen our own challenges with increased workload and friends and colleagues leaving the sector to join other primary care roles. Community Pharmacy has faced a workforce crisis with temporary closures of pharmacies common place and the fragility of the supply chain has been a constant challenge and has  recently been brought into sharp focus by the Strep A infection spike and antibiotic shortages.

The BPA executive team continues to be thankful for and amazed by the contribution that you our members have made by working tirelessly to meet the increased demand for support from  patients during the year. Well done!

2023 will mark a significant milestone for the BPA as we celebrate 50 years of supporting our members and we hope to mark this important anniversary with you later in the year.

We would also  like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continuing loyalty to the BPA and wish you all a happy Christmas and a much better, healthy, peaceful and successful 2023.