Happy New Year to pharmacy teams across Alberta!
It’s been just over a month since I officially took over the reins at ACP and became the college’s registrar. While it has been an honour and a privilege to move into this position, it has also been an incredibly busy time as I continue to transition into the role. The ACP team has been incredible to work with and their support has put me in a great position to provide leadership to the organization and to regulated members. My sincere thanks go out to all members of the ACP team.
I would also like to extend thanks and appreciation to former registrar Greg Eberhart, who provided mentorship and guidance in his final two months in the registrar’s chair to help me feel as prepared as possible to move into that seat. Greg’s many accomplishments and legacy at ACP and in pharmacy will not soon be forgotten.
As we welcome in 2025, we acknowledge it will be a year of change for pharmacy practice in Alberta.
First, our new Standards of Practice for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians and Standards for the Operation of Licensed Pharmacies took effect on February 1. We hope that all regulated members have had the chance to review the standards, discuss them with your colleagues, and develop a plan to implement the standards into your practices and pharmacy operations. ACP has already provided numerous supporting documents and tools to help you successfully implement the standards with more tools to come.
In addition to the standards, we recently launched our new continuous quality improvement program, CQI+, which will contribute to learning from and preventing practice incidents and close calls, leading to improved safety and patient care. In the months ahead, you will continue to hear more about how to meet the requirements of CQI+ and why it’s so important for patient safety and Albertans.
As we near the end of our 2021-25 strategic plan, Council will soon begin work on our next strategic plan which will kick off in 2026. This plan will help guide the college as we move through an ever-changing healthcare landscape prioritizing key initiatives to position the profession of pharmacy as a key partner in health service delivery. Keep an eye on your inbox for more information in the months ahead.
Finally, I would like to extend my thanks to all pharmacy professionals, who work hard every day to meet the needs and expectations of Albertans. As our new standards emphasize, we must continue to set and raise the bar when delivering person-centred care to each and every individual who seeks health services from pharmacy teams. Albertans need and deserve good health care and by keeping patients, not transactions, at the centre of all we do, we will continue to be a valued health partner for Albertans and the communities in which they reside. A sincere thank you for everything you do.
