By Elen Jones, RPS Director for Wales
My recent visit to Iceland was an incredible blend of awe-inspiring landscapes and equally inspiring professional connections. The real highlight of my visit was the opportunity to discuss and share ideas with visionary pharmacist colleagues from Iceland and Norway which confirmed my belief in the power of collaboration to advance pharmacy and healthcare for the benefit of patients.
Sharing our vision for pharmacy in Wales
Through connections made via the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), I had the honour of being invited to showcase advancements in Wales at the Icelandic Association of Pharmacists conference. I focused on our progress in community pharmacy, particularly with the Common Ailment Service and Prescribing Services.
In Wales we have been working hard to empower pharmacists to play a more central role in patient care. The Common Ailment Service is a key part of that, ensuring patients receive timely and appropriate care. The Prescribing Services in our community pharmacies allow us to extend that care, making pharmacy a go-to destination for patients seeking advice and treatment. Our ambitions, as outlined in Pharmacy; Delivering a Healthier Wales, of having a prescriber in every community pharmacy by 2030 are still within reach.
The conversations I had in Iceland were an incredible opportunity to showcase these services and learn from Iceland's healthcare system and its innovations. It is clear that pharmacists in both countries are playing an increasingly critical role in supporting patients and improving healthcare outcomes.
Discussions with Iceland's Health Minister
A valuable aspect of the conference was the opportunity to exchange ideas directly with policymakers. Iceland's Minister of Health spoke and was actively involved in discussions. It was a fantastic opportunity to share our experiences in Wales of increased clinical responsibility and learn about Iceland’s priorities for healthcare reform.
We also discussed environmental sustainability, Wales’s Future Generations Act and how pharmacy is contributing to this, reinforcing that innovation in pharmacy is about more than just healthcare – it’s about creating a sustainable future for generations to come.
Innovation in pharmacy: deprescribing
During the conference, I learned about an Icelandic company that is leading the way in deprescribing specifically around addiction services—an approach that involves reviewing and reducing medications that are no longer needed to improve patient outcomes and prevent addiction. Their work offers solutions to a growing global challenge around polypharmacy and addiction prevention.
Collaboration and learning from each other
I was hosted by Thorunn Gunnarsdottir, CEO Pharmaceutical Society of Iceland and Sigurbjörg Gudmundsdottir, President of Pharmacists Association Iceland. I was also delighted that Birgitte Lloyd, President of The Norwegian Association of Pharmacists came to meet with me and join me on my Icelandic visits. Thank you to these passionate professionals who made my time in Iceland both productive and enjoyable.
Visiting a number of community pharmacies, including Reykjanesapotek, a leading pharmacy in Iceland managed by the visionary Sigrudur Suðurnesjamaður, the Icelandic Pharmacist of the Year 2023 along with her colleagues, was another highlight. Their two-pharmacist model for all community pharmacies in Iceland is an impressive structure with the potential to support service growth.
Moving Forward Together
The conference was a brilliant example of how much we can achieve when we work together, share ideas, and collaborate across borders. The exchange of tips, best practices and lessons learned were invaluable, and I believe we are all moving in the right direction—toward a future where pharmacists are empowered to provide even more comprehensive care for their patients.
Find out more about our 2030 Vision for pharmacy in Wales.
Read more RPS blogs.