The National Health Service (NHS) reaches a significant milestone today as it celebrates its 75th birthday. This momentous occasion presents an opportunity to recognise the remarkable staff who tirelessly provide healthcare, free at the point of delivery.

Since its inception, pharmacists have been pivotal in providing essential NHS services. In parallel with the rapid advancement of science, technology and research, the role of pharmacists has evolved significantly.

Professor Claire Anderson, President of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society said:

"Our pharmacists and their teams are evolving as never before and I’m so proud of everything the profession has achieved over the past 75 years.

“The integration of pharmacy into the multidisciplinary team speaks volumes about the value placed on our expertise. Pharmacists continue to drive the safe and effective use of medicines, lead cutting-edge research programmes, design new proactive models of care and are frontline clinicians, providing essential information to colleagues and patients every day in hospitals, primary care, community and many other settings.”

“As public expectations shift, the reliance on pharmacists and pharmacy technicians for guidance on medicines, illness and lifestyle has substantially increased. With the growing complexity of medications our skills are now more recognised and sought after than ever before.

"While we have much to celebrate, we face many challenges in daily practice and an ever-growing workload that is often hard to cope with. However, I have enormous faith that our evolving profession has a bright future.

“Personalised medicines and genomics will soon become a reality. From 2026 all pharmacists will graduate as prescribers. I’d like to thank every pharmacist and team member for their contribution and I know they will continue to inspire, lead the way and play a vital role in patient care for years to come.”

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