Episode 2- Stephen Riley

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 evolvedWhat "pharmacy integration" really means on the groundHow workforce transformation is reshaping prescribing and patient careThe role of neighbourhood working and personalised servicesTackling health inequalities through pharmacyUnderappreciated innovations in clinical and digital pharmacyThe importance of collaboration between regulators, providers, and commissionersWhat gives Stephen hope about the future of health and careHis involvement with the Global Policy Network and what excites him about the missionQuickfire Highlights:The one thing Stephen would change in healthcare tomorrowHis most inspiring figureA must-read book for aspiring leadersHis shout-outs to future podcast guestsKey Themes:Healthcare integration • Community pharmacy • Medicines optimisation • Workforce development • Digital innovation • Localised care • Health equity • System leadershipListen Now Subscribe for new episodes each week. Learn More Explore our work at ⁠www.globalpolicynetwork.com