Pharmacy professionals gather at University of Brighton for major conference shaping the future of medicine use and prescription

Held at the University of Brighton’s Falmer Campus under the theme “Shaping our Future”, the conference assembled pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, educators, researchers and healthcare leaders across Sussex to explore the future of medicines optimisation, prescribing and patient care at a time of growing pressure on NHS services.

The event highlighted the expanding role pharmacy professionals are playing in frontline healthcare, from supporting safer prescribing and improving access to medicines, to helping tackle workforce shortages and reduce pressure on GP surgeries and hospitals.

Professor Donna Whitehead and David Webb

Organised in partnership with NHS and healthcare organisations across the region, the conference featured expert talks, panel discussions and collaborative workshops recognising the significant transformation currently taking place within the profession, including the introduction of prescribing-ready pharmacists to the register from summer 2026, the evolving roles of pharmacy technicians and pharmacists, the rollout of the NHS 10 Year Plan, and the development of the new Royal College for pharmacy professionals.

Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for England, David Webb, who returned for a second consecutive year, said: “Pharmacy has a vital role to play in the future of healthcare, from prevention and prescribing to innovation and community-based care. 

"Bringing together healthcare leaders, educators and practitioners from across Sussex helps ensure the region is ready to respond to the changing needs of patients, communities and the NHS workforce.”

Neveen Sorial, Deputy Director Medicines Optimisation at NHS Surrey and Sussex, said: “This year’s conference has once again demonstrated the passion, innovation and commitment that exists across our pharmacy workforce in Sussex. At a time of significant change for the profession, it has been incredibly valuable to bring colleagues together to share ideas, learn from one another and explore how we can collectively shape the future of pharmacy services for our patients and communities.”

Throughout the day, attendees took part in a wide-ranging programme of interactive workshops and discussions covering topics including leadership development, research capability, medicines adherence, prescribing support, digital maturity, and the growing role of automation and artificial intelligence within pharmacy practice. Delegates also explored how pharmacy technicians are helping bridge theory and practice through innovative case-based learning approaches.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Brighton, Professor Donna Whitehead, said: “Pharmacy is increasingly recognised as central to the future of healthcare delivery, particularly in prevention, prescribing and community-based care. At the University of Brighton, we are proud to bring together NHS leaders, educators and practitioners to support innovation, workforce development and better health outcomes across Sussex and beyond.”

The event also celebrated excellence across the profession through the Sussex Pharmacy Awards 2026, recognising individuals and teams making a significant impact across pharmacy services in the region.

Award winners included:

• Innovation in Patient Care: Ann Marie Goacher
• Excellence in Continuing Professional Development or Education of Others: Paula Parker
• Environmental Sustainability: Samira Islam
• First place poster winner: Madeleine Honey
• Second place poster winner: Lucy Ramshaw

The conference concluded with an expert panel discussion focused on “The Future of Pharmacy in Sussex”, with speakers reflecting on the opportunities ahead for the profession and the importance of collaboration, innovation and workforce development in delivering high-quality patient care.

The conference showcased the strength, ambition and innovation within Sussex’s pharmacy workforce and reinforced a shared commitment to shaping services that meet the changing needs of patients and communities.

The Sussex Pharmacy Conference 2026 was held on Saturday May 16 and co-delivered by NHS Surrey and Sussex and the University of Brighton Health Innovation Hub, in collaboration with the Sussex Institute of Medicines Education and Research (SIMER), continuing to strengthen links between education, research and clinical practice across the region.