The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has paid tribute to Robert Nicholls CBE, first chair of the GPhC who recently passed away.
Born in 1939, Mr Nicholls, aged 86, was chair of the GPhC from 2009 – when the organisation was established – to 2014.
During his tenure as chair, he oversaw the development of a new regulatory framework and standards with a ‘clear and unwavering focus on patient safety’ – a legacy which continues to shape the work of the GPhC today, it said in a statement.
Before becoming chair of the GPhC, Mr Nicholls worked as an NHS chief executive at a hospital, district and regional level in London, and served as lay member of the General Medical Council (GMC) from 1996 to 2006.
He was awarded the CBE for services to healthcare in 1995.
The GPhC described this leadership as ‘crucial’ to shaping the organisation and the new independent regulator for the pharmacy professions.
It said: ‘From the beginning, Bob had a vision for the GPhC as a body that aimed to protect, promote and maintain the health, safety and wellbeing of patients and the public who use pharmacy services.
‘We remember Bob for his significant professional contribution but also for the positive impact he had on those who knew him.’
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