PRCA Health launches with industry survey

Driving excellence in healthcare communications

For immediate release
London, June, 2009

The PRCA today announced the results of a survey of health care PR consultants. This initial activity by the PRCA Health group will shape the group's activities and priorities going forward.

The group was established to represent the interests of accredited PRCA member consultancies involved in the provision of healthcare communications and is one of a number of initiatives being driven by PRCA Chairman David Gallagher.
Gallagher said “Groups such as PRCA Health have been developed to raise the quality of PR through the industry by sharing ideas and working together on joint initiatives.”


Designed to proactively enhance the professional reputation of healthcare communications and allied industries, the group will provide an opportunity for dialogue and mutual support between member consultancies and to lead the debate to shape the future of the industry. 

A survey of PRCA Health members revealed that some of the key issues and deliverables for the healthcare communications agencies include:


• Identifying strategic threats and opportunities for the healthcare communications industry
• Develop best practice guidance on online communications
• Improving the reputation of the healthcare communications industry, countering myths and promoting a positive profile
• Driving innovation in healthcare communications

“Proactive and positive communication about our industry is something that would benefit from more focus, “said Paul Keirnan, PRCA Health co-chair, “ As communicators, we are in an ideal position to help drive that positive communication and support one of the best industries in the world.”

Over the next 12 months, the group will focus on a number of areas, including procurement, the PRCA CMS accreditation, working closely with the ABPI and PMCPA, plus creating a digital workshop, intended to share best practice and demystify the rules around health and the web.

***Ends***

Press enquiries
Richard Ellis - richard.ellis@prca.org.uk or 020 7233 6026

For further information about PRCA groups contact:
Natasha Woolsey - natashaw@prca.org.uk or 020 7233 6026

For further information about PRCA Health:
Paul Keirnan - paul@experthealthcommunications.co.uk or 01158 458 945
or
Marc Southern - Marc.Southern@fleishmaneurope.com

Notes for editor

Executive Board

Paul Keirnan - Co-Chair
Claire Ashbridge Thomlinson - Co-Chair
Marc Southern - Acting Co-chair
Rachel Terry - Burson Marsteller
Carys Thomas Ampofo - Ash
Stefi Rucci - Say
Jane Brearley - Waggener Edstrom
Sarah Lee - Mandate
Sarah Hart - Monroe and Forster
Catherine Bennet - Ketchum
Jo White - Unity


PRCA

• The Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA) is the leading trade association for the PR consultancy industry.
• We exist in order to raise standards in PR and to help member agencies become better, more effective businesses.
• We represent more than 160 members who, between them, represent around 70% of the UK based PR industry's fee income.
• All PRCA members have to achieve the Consultancy Management Standard (CMS), a professional accreditation now adopted by PR agencies in 11 countries around the world.
• All PRCA members are bound by a Professional Charter and Code of Conduct.                                

As part of its service to members and members' clients, the PRCA has created sector specific expert groups.  Each of these groups is designed to better serve its members and proactively address industry specific issues.

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