Q&A Webinar: The Evolving NHS – An ICS Chief Pharmacist’s Perspective

What does the evolving NHS landscape look like through the eyes of a Chief Pharmacist, and how are integrated care system (ICS) pharmacy teams responding? In this Petauri Evidence NHS Whispers session, first broadcast live on Friday 24th October, we put your questions to Yousaf Ahmad (Chief Pharmacist and Director of Medicines Optimisation, Frimley ICS), as he shared how he and his colleagues are responding to the changing NHS environment. From system pressures and financial constraints to prescribing priorities and service redesign, Yousaf explored how ICS pharmacy teams are adapting, and what this means for industry partners. He was interviewed by Charlotte Harding (Consultant – Market Access, Petauri Evidence) in a focused, interactive conversation designed to surface real-world insights and practical implications for engagement. Learn more about this webinar: https://petauri.com/insights/evolving... Jump to: 00:00 - Welcome and Introductions 02:25 - How are things going in your world right now? 03:32 - How will ICS structural changes shape healthcare delivery? 05:42 - What challenges do ICBs face in taking on specialist services? 07:19 - How is the NHS 10-Year Plan influencing high-cost drug prescribing? 10:33 - How will medicines optimisation evolve within ICBs? 14:32 - Where will prescribing budgets sit under the neighbourhood model? 17:53 - Do you have a preferred model for budget management? 20:04 - How might confidential pricing arrangements be managed? 21:40 - What defines a productive relationship with pharmaceutical suppliers? 24:55 - What types of engagement or evidence sharing are most valuable? 26:14 - What are the benefits and risks of a single national formulary? 30:25 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information