This morning the Community Pharmacy Leaders Forum (CPLF) met with Health Minister Dr David Clark.
CPLF was delighted to receive a meeting invitation from the Minister last week and are impressed with his genuine
interest in the pharmacy sector and the work that community pharmacies are doing for their patients.
CPLF Chair, Graeme Blanchard, said “The meeting was very much focused on how community pharmacy can deliver on the
Pharmacy Action Plan through service delivery and through pharmacists being enabled to work at the top of scope.
“The Minister was interested in hearing about local initiatives and services that were putting patients at the core of
their foundation. He also expressed interest in lifting the profile of clinical pharmacy services and advice, and
adapting to change within our current systems as technology advances.
“The Minister welcomed open dialogue and feedback from us. We were able to articulate how CPLF, as the leaders of our
sector, collectively endorse a national community pharmacy services model that provides equitable access to effective
and safe patient services for all New Zealanders, while allowing additional targeting to higher patient needs at a local
level.
“While this was CPLF’s first meeting with the Minister we hope that this will be the beginning of an ongoing
conversation and a positive and constructive relationship. We are extremely grateful for the Minister’s time despite the
immense pressure his other responsibilities had placed on him today.
“CPLF has left this meeting with confirmed confidence in our Health Minister. We can assure the sector that Hon Dr David
Clark sees value in community pharmacy playing a greater role within primary health care and that he is engaged and
listening.”
ENDS