In the first module we drew parallels with ‘Who Moved my Cheese?’ (a book by Spencer Johnson) and how our future will be dependent on how we all respond to the need to change.

We discussed how the ‘cheese’ (medicines supply management) for community pharmacy is moving, and this is driven by: the financial, quality and demand challenges of the NHS; potential contractual reforms and funding cuts; digital and technological innovation; increased competition; and consumer expectations.

The mice in the story, Sniff and Scurry, realised that their supply of cheese was disappearing so they decided to change what they were doing and look elsewhere for future supplies.
The little people, Hem and Haw, assumed that the supply would continue, shouted “not fair” when it ran out, did not recognise the need to change, and had not prepared a plan B.

With the medicines supply system and funding streams shifting, are you considering all options for plan B or hoping that things remain as they are?