New pharmacy minister announced
Steve Brine MP will replace David Mowat as pharmacy minister, the Department of Health (DH) has confirmed this afternoon.
Mr Brine has been MP for Winchester and Chandler’s Ford since 2010.
He will replace David Mowat MP, who has remained as pharmacy minister since losing his seat in the general election earlier this month.
In May 2015, Mr Brine was appointed as parliamentary private secretary to health secretary Jeremy Hunt. He also served as an assistant government whip from July 17, 2016 until last week (June 14).
According to Mr Brine’s website, he meets regularly with GPs and practice managers across the area to understand the issues they are facing. The MP is also described as a “passionate defender” of primary care as the gateway to the NHS.
The Twitter reaction
On behalf of C+D, welcome @SteveBrineMP to com pharmacy -
— James Waldron (@CandDJamesW) June 22, 2017
a sector of hard-working, forward-thinking HCPs who need a political champion https://t.co/70ceDMpRqS
As the voice of Pharmacists we look forward to working with @sbrine to improve pharmacy for our members, patients and all. #pharmacyminister https://t.co/CqHBQA6kqK
— PDA Union (@the_pda_union) June 22, 2017
Ex-Treasury... could be the Dawn of a New False Hope! https://t.co/DjpzPGJyjf
— Sultan 'SID' Dajani (@SIDajani) June 22, 2017
Come and visit my #pharmacy @SteveBrineMP? #pharmacy #community https://t.co/SS8sb18KtO
— Thorrun Govind (@pharmthorrun) June 22, 2017
DH announces Mowat's replacement via @ChemistDruggist Lets hope for more Engagement https://t.co/K0e0tDxcwH
— Ali Sparkes (@alisparkes) June 22, 2017
So he wants to prevent unnecessary use of A+E, hospitals ands neonatal units? ENTER *TEAM PHARMACY* @sbrine https://t.co/8A0QppeQqr
— Thorrun Govind (@pharmthorrun) June 22, 2017
New #pharmacyminister from Hampshire, let's start influencing locally @RPSWessex @HampshireIOWLPC
— Mike Holden (@Michaelwsh) June 22, 2017
What do you make of Mr Brine's appointment?