Our work has helped Lloydspharmacy build its presence and influence with key politicians and health stakeholders at a time of significant change and reform for the NHS.
The challenge
The NHS is undergoing significant change as the Health and Social Care Bill looks to reform the way in which services are commissioned and delivered. As well as helping Lloydspharmacy navigate this changing landscape, our challenge is to ensure that as an organisation they have a voice in the debate and that stakeholders understand the crucial role that pharmacy can play in the new NHS.
Our response
We have worked closely with Lloydspharmacy to undertake targeted public affairs work coupled with building a stronger media profile. This has included partnering with an influential think tank, the IPPR, to bring together senior stakeholders including the Rt Hon Stephen Dorrell MP (Chair, Health Select Committee) to discuss the role of pharmacy in public health.
We've also organised the first ever All Party Parliamentary Group 'Jigsaw' meeting, which brought together a number of different health groups to discuss the benefits and practicalities of greater integration within the evolving NHS landscape.
In addition, we have helped Lloydspharmacy build and deliver a programme of briefings with individual MPs, to communicate Lloydspharmacy's position to the Health Bill. We have also developed a range of strategic papers to aid the Department of Health's thinking on new areas such as the creation of 'clinical senates'.
Our political work has been complemented by support for Lloydspharmacy's media outreach, developing messaging linked to the Health Bill and building relationships with target journalists.
Results
Lloydspharmacy has communicated effectively and established a clear and consistent voice in the continuing debate around NHS reform. It has similarly strengthened and built relationships with key individuals at the top of Government - civil servants, MPs and policy advisers - winning widespread support for pharmacy playing an enhanced role in the new NHS.
