Mr Murphy has been the union’s general secretary since the PDA Union’s inception in 2008, having been elected for three consecutive five-year terms.
However, he “chose not to seek a fourth term of office”, he told members in a farewell message published on Friday (March 31).
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He is succeeded by PDA director of services Mark Pitt, who began his first term as general secretary on Saturday (April 1).
Mr Murphy supported PDA chair Mark Koziol in the “development, launch and operation” of the PDA from 2003, when he became the organisation’s director.
He retired from this position in 2017, when current incumbent Paul Day took on the role, but has remained the PDA Union’s general secretary “on a part-time basis”.
“Delighted” for successor
Mr Murphy said he was “delighted to be able congratulate" Mr Pitt, who he predicted would do “a fantastic job as my successor”.
He added that his successor has been an “outstanding” assistant general secretary for the last 15 years and has “deservedly” stepped up into the general secretary role.
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Mr Murphy commented: “As I reflect to how things were when I was previously elected as general secretary, five, 10, and 15 years ago, I am proud that the PDA is in better condition than ever to deal with the issues that matter and impact upon employed and locum pharmacists and our patients.”
The union now has more than 36,000 members, which Mr Murphy branded an “incredible achievement for pharmacists and our shared commitment to the future of our profession”.
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He gave his “best wishes to all PDA members” and extended “a huge thank you” to the organisation’s staff and members who have served as representatives or committee members.
“I’m always going to advocate for the work the PDA does, but from now on will be doing so as a ‘retired’ member,’” he said.