Pharmacist Ash Soni appointed to NHS Future Forum panel

I'm really looking forward to the challenge and hope to express the views across the profession and to make sure the voice of pharmacy is heard loud and clear

Hi Ash,

Thanks for the comment!

Anything top of your agenda?

I think Ash will present the concerns of pharmacy in a fair and even way.
Andrew Lipshaw

Top of the agenda is to speak to the CEOs of the national organisations to see what they are currently discussing with Government. Then I'm speaking at the Avicenna Conference and will use the opportunity to get a sense of the hopes and frustrations of a group of community pharmacists.
I would like to engage with all the pharmaceutical press to use as a conduit for pharmacists to talk to me and for me to keep them as much up to date with progress as I can.
I would like also to deal with Gary's comment about last pick and point out that I've known for a few days but wasn't allowed to say anything. I have spoken to Steve Field and the delay was caused by trying to identify the best person from a list of high calibre candidates but they were keeen to ensure the person chosen wasn't seen as working on behalf of only part of the profession. I think we should start with that as a positive and ensure that pharmacy is now seen as an essential part of patient pathways. If I feel that I and the profession are only there to make up numbers I will make sure that view is articulated to those leading this work but I have absolutely no indication that is the case.

Ash

Congratulations on your appointment a face and person we can trust at the forefront of pharmacy. I think it is time for NHS future forum panel to let Andrew Lansley and his colleagues know that pharmacy cannot be left to the side.

Tariq

Congratulations on your appointment Ash. I know you will genuinely represent the whole of pharmacy as you have always been an advocate of 'the collective sum is always stronger than the individual facets of our profession'. This is a time for pharmacy to stand strong, be heard and most importantly, be proactively involved in what will potentially be the biggest shake up the the NHS. Whilst remuneration is critical, having recognition about the role we play in healthcare is also paramount. GP's can not deliver this change on their own and we must make sure of this and be heard through you.

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