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A patient's view

Since retiring from his career with the Benefits Agency, Robin Kenworthy has been working to promote and protect the interests of patients. As a diabetic with a pacemaker, Robin makes regular use of pharmacist services.

Protecting the public

Robin believes that independent regulation will help to protect the public and promote confidence in pharmacists: 'Members of the public will prefer to deal with someone who is registered with an independent regulator rather than with a professional body that is largely governed by pharmacists. People need to know that regulation is transparent. The support and backing of the professional bodies will also boost public confidence.'

Expanding the pharmacist's role

Awareness of the range of pharmacists' skills and competences is low. 'Generally, people go to their pharmacist to pick up or buy medicines, not to get health advice,' says Robin. He believes that the establishment of the GPhC will help with broadening the role, which will benefit both patients and pharmacists.

Making premises accessible

Robin is pleased that the GPhC will be setting standards for premises. He believes that many are currently inadequate, particularly for disabled patients: 'Services need to be accessible to all. That means providing things like audio loops as well as making space for wheelchairs.' He would also like to see more pharmacists providing private interview rooms where patients can talk confidentially about their health, and offering confidential 'walk-in' advice for teenagers.

Packaging

The branding and packaging of medicines is an important issue for Robin. 'The same medicines can come in different colours, shapes and sizes of tablet or packaging. This can be very confusing, and is a patient safety issue, especially given the ageing population.' While clearly not a matter directly for the regulator, Robin hopes the GPhC will be able to have a wider influence in the field of pharmacy generally on patient safety issues.