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Key facts and statistics
Pharmacy is a vital component of the healthcare system in the United Kingdom. According to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), there are over 54,000 registered pharmacists and nearly 12,000 registered pharmacy premises in the UK. The RPS supports these professionals through advocacy, education, and the development of professional standards.
Key definitions
- Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) - The professional body for pharmacists and pharmacy in Great Britain, dedicated to improving the public's health by promoting excellence in the pharmacy profession.
- Pharmacist - A healthcare professional licensed to prepare, dispense, and provide clinical advice on medicines to the public.
- General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) - The regulatory body for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy premises in Great Britain.
Advocacy and representation
The RPS advocates for the interests of pharmacists and the pharmacy profession at national and international levels. It represents the profession in discussions with the government, healthcare organisations, and other stakeholders to influence pharmacy practice and public health policies.
Education and professional development
Continuous professional development is essential for maintaining competence in pharmacy practice. The RPS offers a wide range of educational resources, including workshops, webinars, and online courses, to help pharmacists stay updated with the latest advancements in the field. Additionally, the RPS guides revalidation requirements set by the GPhC.
Development of professional standards
The RPS is instrumental in developing and maintaining professional standards that ensure safe and effective pharmacy practice. These standards cover various aspects of pharmacy, including clinical governance, patient safety, and ethical conduct. Adherence to these standards is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring high-quality care.
Recommended best practices for implementation of legislation and regulations
- Understanding Key Legislation - Pharmacists must be familiar with several key pieces of legislation, including the Medicines Act 1968, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and the Health and Social Care Act 2008. These laws govern the prescribing, dispensing, and administration of medicines and the overall operation of pharmacy services.
- Compliance with regulatory requirements - The GPhC sets standards for pharmacy professionals and premises. Compliance with these standards is mandatory and includes requirements for patient confidentiality, record-keeping, and ensuring the quality and safety of medicines. Pharmacists must regularly review and update their practices to align with these standards.
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD) - Engaging in CPD activities is essential for pharmacists to maintain their knowledge and skills. The RPS provides numerous resources to support CPD, including accredited training programmes and access to the latest research and clinical guidelines. Pharmacists should allocate time for CPD activities and document their learning to meet GPhC revalidation requirements.
- Utilising technology for compliance - Technology is vital in ensuring compliance with legislation and regulations. ComplyPlus™, a comprehensive legislation and regulatory compliance management software, offers robust tools for managing compliance-related tasks. This includes tracking CPD activities, maintaining accurate records, and staying updated with legislative changes. By leveraging such technology, pharmacists can streamline their compliance processes and focus on delivering high-quality patient care.
Recommendations
- Stay informed - Regularly update your knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations through RPS resources and professional development activities.
- Engage with the RPS - Participate in RPS events and utilise their educational resources to enhance your professional practice.
- Implement technology - Use compliance management software like ComplyPlus™ to manage regulatory requirements efficiently and effectively.
- Document CPD - Keep detailed records of your CPD activities to ensure you meet GPhC revalidation requirements.
Conclusion
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society is a cornerstone of the pharmacy profession, providing essential support and guidance to pharmacists. By advocating for the profession, offering educational resources, and developing professional standards, the RPS ensures that pharmacists can provide the highest level of care to the public. Adhering to legislative and regulatory requirements is critical for maintaining the profession's integrity, and leveraging technology like ComplyPlus™ can significantly enhance compliance efforts.
Click here to explore our ComplyPlus™ software and training programmes to gather more information on how to ensure your pharmacy practice meets the latest legislative and regulatory requirements.
About the author
Dr Richard Dune
With over 20 years of experience, Richard blends a rich background in NHS, the private sector, academia, and research settings. His forte lies in clinical R&D, advancing healthcare tech, workforce development and governance. His leadership ensures regulatory compliance and innovation align seamlessly.
