The Scottish government has announced its next chief pharmaceutical officer.

NHS Education for Scotland's (NES) Rose Marie Parr will succeed Bill Scott, who retired on March 31 after 22 years in the post, the Scottish government said on Friday (April 10).

Professor Parr is currently director of pharmacy at NES, where she had provided leadership and advice on "all pharmacy educational matters" since 2002, the government said. It told C+D it was not certain when she would formally become chief pharmaceutical officer.

Professor Parr, who has worked in the pharmaceutical profession since 1982, said the appointment was a "very proud moment" in her career. “This leadership role provides huge opportunities to drive forward further improvements in pharmaceutical care for patients, families and carers at the centre of the NHS in Scotland,” she said.

Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) told C+D that Professor Parr was a “well known, respected leader". 

"Her positive leadership over her time at NES is widely acknowledged,” said CPS pharmacy services manager Matt Barclay.

Professor Scott oversaw the launch of the Scottish government's 10-year vision for the sector, Prescription for Excellence, in 2013.

Professor Parr would "bring the knowledge, experience and gravitas necessary" to oversee this "ambitious agenda", said General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) chief executive Duncan Rudkin. 

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