The first Ask About Medicines Week ran from 12 to 18 October 2003.  Its aim was to lay the foundation for lasting change by: Giving people opportunity to ask questions about medicines and encouraging better communication between health prefessionals and people taking medicine Influencing expectations so that asking questions about medicines becomes the norm Acting as a catalyst to improve the depth and quality of medicines information. There was a broad and deep commitment to the Week with 399 partners signing up to support the campaign including: 150 PCTs 100 pharmacy organisations 100 voluntary health organisations A wide range of professional bodies and private sector organisations interested in health care