Organisations from across the community pharmacy sector (AIMp, APTUK, CCA, NPA, PDA, PFNI and RPS), who have joined together to look into the future modelling of pharmacy practice, have held their fourth workshop to continue discussions.

In advance of the workshop, organisations were asked to send their ideas surrounding ‘supervision’ to the Chair. The ideas formed the basis of the discussion during the workshop and helped to expand understanding of where there was consensus and disagreement. Examples of ideas explored during the workshop include: the extent to which a pharmacist should supervise the medicines assembly process, the purpose and extent to which a pharmacist might be absent from the pharmacy and how this might affect patient safety as well as the nature of whether fixed rules versus a broad framework were preferable for future practice.

Chair of the group, Dr Michael Twigg, Associate Professor of Primary Care Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, said:

“Once again the sector bodies have come together in a collaborative and positive manner to explore the concept of ‘supervision’ in the context of current and future community pharmacy practice. This session provided an opportunity to constructively challenge assumptions and viewpoints within the group with the aim of moving the discussion forward.”

As part of the session, the DHSC, GPhC and PSNI gave an overview of the difference between legislation, regulation and guidance which was helpful to inform the group’s thinking. Each of the organisations have been asked to use the conversation to refine the ideas presented in advance of the next workshop.

The group will meet again on 4th May 2023. The aim of the group is to produce recommendations to the DHSC and regulators to inform a broader consultation across the wider profession and sector in due course.

ENDS

Note to Editors:

The Pharmacy Supervision Practice Group is made up of the following members:

  • AIMP LIMITED of Leedale House, Railway Ct, Doncaster DN4 5FB (AIMp); and
  • ASSOCIATION OF PHARMACY TECHNICIANS UNITED KINGDOM of One Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BD (APTUK); and
  • COMPANY CHEMISTS’ ASSOCIATION LIMITED of Kingston Hall, Kingston on Soar, Nottingham NG11 0DJ (CCA); and
  • NATIONAL PHARMACY ASSOCIATION LIMITED of Mallinson House, 38-42 St Peters Street, St Albans, Herts, AL1 3NP (NPA); and
  • PHARMACISTS’ DEFENCE ASSOCIATION of The Old Fire Station, 69 Albion Street, Birmingham, B1 3EA (PDA); and
  • PHARMACY FORUM NORTHERN IRELAND of 73 University Street, BELFAST, BT7 1HL (PFNI); and
  • THE ROYAL PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN incorporated by Royal Charter and registered in England and Wales with company number RC000799 whose registered office is at 66-68 EAST SMITHFIELD, LONDON, E1W 1AW (RPS);

Observers on the Group are:

  • GENERAL PHARMACEUTICAL COUNCIL of 25 Canada Square, London E14 5LQ (GPhC)
  • DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
  • PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY OF NORTHERN IRELAND