Scotland gets first new Chief Pharmaceutical Officer in 22 years

A former director of pharmacy in the NHS is to become the new pharmacy leader at the Scottish Government.

Professor Rose Marie Parr, Director of Pharmacy at NHS Education for Scotland (NES), will succeed Professor Bill Scott as Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, who has retired after 22 years in the post.

Professor Parr said she was proud to take the role, which would provide “huge opportunities” to drive improvements. “I am immensely proud of the work and the professionalism of our pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and support staff in community pharmacies, hospital and primary care practice settings across Scotland. I look forward working in a more collegiate manner with these professionals and our wider stakeholders to focus on the pharmaceutical care needs of all people who rely on our NHS in Scotland,” she said.

Parr is an honorary professor at both Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen and the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.