The 114-year-old organisation announced in May that it would dissolve at the end of the year due to “numerous social changes”.

But the NAWP’s future now “looks bright”, as it will continue to operate as a “semi-autonomous” network as part of the PDA, the association announced today (October 1).

“I am delighted that we have agreed a future for the NAWP, [which] should bring new opportunities to women pharmacists,” president Anita White said.

PDA director Paul Day added: “Both parties see this evolution of the NAWP as a positive step that will enhance the voice of pharmacists.

“Pharmacy is a mainly female profession and we have more than 17,000 women pharmacists within our membership.

“We hope that many of them will choose to join the NAWP network and enhance that influence,” he said.

NAWP membership for the new network will be available on the PDA website from January 1, 2020 at an annual cost of £30 for non-PDA members and £10 for PDA working members. PDA students can join for free.

Commenting on the announcement, Royal Pharmaceutical Society president Sandra Gidley said: “Women make up around 60% of the pharmacy profession, but we still face many inequalities in our professional lives.

“We look forward to working closely with the NAWP in the future.”