Alphega Pharmacy European Convention 2009 - Prague, 16 & 17 November

Alphega Pharmacy European network grows to over 2,500 members  as it hosts its sixth annual European Convention

Alphega Pharmacy has today concluded its annual Convention in Prague, themed ‘Putting the patient first’. The event brought together independent pharmacy members from across its six representative countries with manufacturers and healthcare professionals from across Europe, to explore the benefits of healthcare stakeholders working in partnership to provide patient services across the network and make Alphega Pharmacy a brand that patients trust.

In her opening presentation, Caitlin Sorrell, Director of Alphega Pharmacy Europe, revealed to members that the network was continuing to grow in strength and had now reached over 2,500 members across Europe. She outlined the future vision and goals for Alphega Pharmacy, saying: “Our vision for the future is to be recognised by patient-consumers across Europe as the leading quality pharmacy brand and as the most authoritative voice in the profession. Our vision is to have members who live our brand values in all that they do, are proud to be part of the Alphega Pharmacy network and are involved and engaged in the network. Furthermore, we want manufacturers to recognise us as the place to launch new products and services across Europe and to deliver excellence and consistency.”

During the two day event, Alphega Pharmacy members were given the opportunity to share successes and best practice as well as to learn valuable insights and skills from industry experts and opinion formers. Guest speakers included Gilles Pajot, Vice Chairman, IMS Health, who gave an update on the European and global pharmaceutical markets; Andy Richmond, Head of Channel Strategy and Marketing Europe, Established Products Business Unit, Pfizer, who provided the manufacturer perspective on working with pharmacists to put the patient first; and, Professor Rob Horne, Healthcare Advisor from the University of London’s School of Pharmacy, who presented on improving patient understanding of medicines adherence.

Commenting on the event, Caitlin said: “We are delighted with the success of this year’s Convention. Delivering first class patient care has always been the goal of Alphega Pharmacy and its members. Now it is even more vital as patients want to live longer and expect much more from their healthcare providers. Our challenge is to meet, and surpass, patient’s expectations by continuing to raise the bar in developing services around patient needs, working in partnership with our members and manufacturers.”

Ornella Barra, Chief Executive, Pharmaceutical Wholesale Division, Alliance Boots, added: “This event has been an excellent opportunity to demonstrate to Alphega Pharmacy members and manufacturer partners that the development of the Alphega Pharmacy network remains an important strategic priority for us. We believe that Pharmacy has a leading role to play in the provision of healthcare and Alphega Pharmacy can help provide forward-looking solutions to ensure that we are all well-equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

For more information please contact:
Sanam Conway, PR Manager, Alliance Healthcare: +44 (0)1932 871564