The Welsh government has established a clinical forum to review local NHS service plans but has failed to include pharmacy representatives. 

Health minister Lesley Griffiths invited a number of health bodies to join the forum, including GPs and nurses but has not included community pharmacy.

Ms Griffiths expects to see local health boards submitting their plans to modernise services over the next few weeks, she announced at yesterday's unveiling of the forum.

"I am establishing an independent group to assess the proposals from a clinical perspective. The national clinical forum will ensure that local plans are in the best interest of patients and based on sound clinical advice," she said.

Asked by C+D why there was no pharmacy representation on the forum and how the profession would be represented, a Welsh government spokesman said: "Expertise from a wide range of clinical specialities will be represented but by necessity it will not be possible to include every clinical profession amongst its members."

"The national clinical forum is, however, expected to seek expert views from other disciplines, including pharmacy, as specific issues arise," he added.

Community Pharmacy Wales said it planned to meet the minister "shortly" to raise the issue of whether the forum was looking at secondary or primary care issues.

However the Welsh government confirmed the forum will be addressing both primary and secondary care.

The forum is expected to meet for the first time in October.