The EAHP Board, elected for three-year terms, oversees the association’s activities. Comprising directors responsible for core functions, it meets regularly to implement strategic goals. Supported by EAHP staff, the Board controls finances, coordinates congress organization, and ensures compliance with statutes and codes of conduct.
Polish Implementation Ambassador – Monika Łopata
Monika Łopata- Implementation ambassador for Poland
I work as a hospital pharmacist at the Central Clinical Hospital of Ministry of Interior and Administration in Warsaw. I am in the course of specialization in clinical pharmacy and 3 years ago I completed postgraduate studies: “Conducting and monitoring of clinical trials”.
When was the first time you learned about the European Statements of Hospital Pharmacy?
I had the opportunity to learn about the European Statements a few months before being appointed ambassador, during the meeting with representatives of the Polish Pharmaceutical Chamber.
How did you become involved with the project?
I am grateful to my national association (Polish Pharmaceutical Chamber) for giving me the opportunity to get involved with the project. I’m glad that my efforts to change hospital pharmacy reality have been noticed and that they can be used to help with this project.
Why do you think the implementation of the Statements will be good for Poland?
The European Statements of Hospital Pharmacy represent the goals and needs of hospital pharmacists in Poland. They are in line with the policy of the Polish Pharmaceutical Chamber and other national stakeholders. Statement implementation could help to improve quality of pharmaceutical services in Polish hospitals, what is particularly important in ensuring and improving patient safety. Additionally, it is a great chance to uphold the role of hospital pharmacist in Poland as a good partners and specialists in multidisciplinary Therapeutics Committees in hospitals.
What are the biggest needs and barriers for Statement Implementation in Poland?
The main barriers to overcome are:
- Lack of more specific regulations relating to the hospital pharmacy profession and hospital pharmacy services.
- Public spending austerity.
- Difficulties in cooperation among other healthcare professionals.
But:
- The legislation work is in progress: pharmacists are involved in updating the present Pharmaceutical Law and creating specific legislation on their profession.
- We are constantly trying to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and policymakers to show them the meaning of well-organized hospital pharmacies and qualified pharmacists.
What are you more excited about the 22nd Congress in Cannes?
External hospital accreditations in Poland are accompanied by a great deal of emotion, so I really look forward to participating in the Seminar: “Hospital accreditation: aim or means?“. Moreover, I am interested in hospital based HTA (it’s a new keyword for me) and I’m going to take part in the Seminar: “Health technology assessment as a tool for decision making at central and local levels“.