Welcome back to Policy Unpacked, a podcast by the Global Policy Network. In this episode, host Ameneh Ghazal Saatchi is joined by Stephen Riley, Deputy Chief Regional Pharmacist for Pharmacy Integration at NHS England Northwest.

With over 18 years of experience, Stephen shares his reflections on pharmacy’s evolving role within the healthcare system: from community roots to national policy leadership. This episode explores how pharmacy integration, system leadership, and innovation can help deliver more equitable, localised, and patient-centred care.

 In this episode:

• What drew Stephen to pharmacy, and how his career evolved

• What "pharmacy integration" really means on the ground

• How workforce transformation is reshaping prescribing and patient care

• The role of neighbourhood working and personalised services

• Tackling health inequalities through pharmacy

• Underappreciated innovations in clinical and digital pharmacy

• The importance of collaboration between regulators, providers, and commissioners

• What gives Stephen hope about the future of health and care

• His involvement with the Global Policy Network and what excites him about the mission

Quickfire Highlights:

• The one thing Stephen would change in healthcare tomorrow

• His most inspiring figure

• A must-read book for aspiring leaders

• His shout-outs to future podcast guests

Key Themes:
Healthcare integration • Community pharmacy • Medicines optimisation • Workforce development • Digital innovation • Localised care • Health equity • System leadership

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