FPM welcomes the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan

The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (FPM) welcomes the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan. Whilst the initiatives in staffing, skills and training are primarily aimed at employees of the NHS in England, many other public health disciplines who underpin the function of the NHS will benefit from these reforms.

Innovation is a strong theme throughout the plan. The need for innovation, for gate keeping and medical affairs for new and existing medicines and devices is vital. FPM has a particular interest in supporting education and standards for all healthcare professionals involved in development or deployment of therapeutic and diagnostic innovation. The plan also follows hot on the heels of the welcomed life sciences reports and investments recently announced, underpinning the constant evolution of healthcare in the UK.

Pharmaceutical medicine is a GMC regulated specialty and the reforms in education and specialist training announced in the plan will ensure that the workforce of professionals introducing and monitoring medicines and devices maintains its high standards. FPM looks forward to supporting implementation of the plan.

Dr Flic Gabbay, FPM President, said: “my colleagues and I are looking forward to working alongside our clinical and public health colleagues to help implement these reforms to continue to improve delivery of health care to patients.”