20 November 2013

Dunne Welcomes Pharmacy Honour

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne will be recognised as an Honorary Member of the Pharmaceutical Society at a special ceremony at Parliament this evening.

The award, by the professional body representing pharmacists in New Zealand, recognises Mr Dunne’s work promoting the development of pharmacy during his time as Associate Minister of Health from 2005 to 2013.

“I am truly delighted and pretty humbled to receive this award.

“When developing Medicines New Zealand – our national medicines strategy – I was very conscious of the role of pharmacists, and the opportunities that existed both to expand their roles in medicines management and primary health care service delivery, and I was determined to enhance those roles.

“While we have seen the advent of pharmacist prescribers and more integrated medicines management practices between pharmacists and GPs, I believe there is greater scope yet for collaboration between pharmacists, doctors and nurse practitioners in the delivery of innovative quality health services.

“Pharmacists are key front line health professionals – the first port of call for many in the community, something we should never forget,” he says.

Mr Dunne will be presented with his Honorary Membership by Pharmaceutical Society President Elizabeth Plant.

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