LloydsPharmacy superintendent Victoria Steele is to replace Janice Perkins as chair of the Community Pharmacy Patient Safety Group, it has been announced.

Ms Perkins has been a key figure in the CPPSG since it was established in 2015, and has organised monthly meetings of the group’s medication safety officers, which represent pharmacy businesses in the UK.

Under her chairship, the CPPSG has also dealt with stakeholders including the GPhC, RPS< NHS England and MHRA, as well as helping to shape the Pharmacy Quality Scheme with the PSNC.

Medication errors, honest and transparent reporting and learning from patient safety incidents have been key elements of the group’s agenda under her watch.

Ms Steele’s current position of group vice-chair will be filled by Jackie Giltrow, clinical governance lead at Paydens.

Ms Perkins said: “I am extremely proud of what the Patient Safety Group has achieved since its inception. We have worked together, tirelessly, to promote patient safety and drive improvements in community pharmacy.

‘Time and time again we have shown the value of sharing and learning across the sector and what can be achieved when organisations take an open, honest and patient centred approach to patient safety.”

“I am delighted to welcome Victoria as my successor – she has already proven herself as an excellent vice-chair to the Group and brings a wealth of leadership and patient safety experience which, I have no doubt, will serve the group extremely well.”

Ms Steele said: “Janice’s contribution to patient safety in her role as chair of the group has been enormous. She had led the Group with tireless enthusiasm and commitment and her efforts and achievements cannot be overstated.

“I am passionate about patient safety and delighted to be taking on the role of Chair of the Patient Safety Group and in doing so, driving further improvements in community pharmacy to ensure patients have the best possible care.”