Pharmacists working in community are now becoming more than just dispensers of medicines and advice. Following recommendations in the April 2008 white paper, community pharmacists will have a greater influence over disease management, prescribing and recommendations to improve the healthcare of patients.

The community steering group aims to highlight the importance of generalist practice and advance the development of community pharmacy through networking across the interface.

The group intends to:

• Encourage and support career progression and leadership in community pharmacy in preparation for a new professional body.
• Provide a forum to share clinical experience and best practice in community pharmacy to maximise opportunities for healthcare provision in a community setting.
• Engage with the wider community pharmacy networks to help provide a unified voice on professional issues.
• To raise awareness of the 'General practice framework for community pharmacy'.