Table 1 Key events in the historical development of community pharmacy and public health
YearPolicy contextPharmacy initiativeImplications for pharmacy
1948Introduction of NHSCommunity pharmacists become “invisible”
1970Conference on role of pharmacist in health promotion
1978 Working party on future of community pharmacyHealth education an important role
1981Ministerial statement at British Pharmaceutical ConferenceFuture of community pharmacy in doubt
1982“Ask your pharmacist” campaignRaised public awareness of the role of pharmacist
1986Nuffield Report on pharmacyPharmacy considered capable of further development
1986Launch of Health in the High StreetFirst national distribution of health education leaflets through pharmacies
1987Promoting better health white paperProgramme for improving primary careSupport for pharmacies to display health education and promotion material
1989Pharmacy Healthcare relaunchedFirst government funding for pharmacy health promotion scheme
1990Acheson Report on public health
1991Barnet Health Scheme launchedTraining to develop pharmacists’ knowledge and skills in health promotion
1992Health of the nation white paperLittle recognition of a role for pharmacy
1992Pharmaceutical care reportProposes range of extended roles for pharmacists
1996Pharmacy in a new ageHealth promotion considered second most important role to be expanded
1998Our Healthier Nation white paperRelated to England onlyLed to review of pharmacy-related evidence
2001Chief Medical Officer’s report on public health workforceIdentifies different roles in public health for different members of the workforce
2004Choosing health white paperProgramme for improving public healthSubstantial reference to pharmacy
2005Choosing health through pharmacySpecific to pharmacyPharmaceutical public health recognised
2005Resolution by Council of Royal Pharmaceutical SocietyPharmacy’s public health role to be increased still further