Supporting the safe and effective supply of Pharmacy medicines

The GPhC has outlined how it proposes to support the safe and effective supply of Pharmacy (P) medicines in a background paper published today.

Developing guidance to support the safe and effective supply of ‘Pharmacy (P)’ medicines describes the key areas that must be adequately addressed by owners and superintendents that operate registered pharmacies and supply P medicines.

These areas include:

- professional decision making and accountability

- managing risk

- staff

- involving patients in decision making and communicating effectively
 

Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive of the General Pharmaceutical Council, said:

“There is a consensus across pharmacy that more needs to be done to improve the quality of the supply of pharmacy medicines. Securing the safe and effective supply of pharmacy medicines is a key focus for us. We believe that the best protection for the public comes from high quality interaction between trained staff and patients.

“We know that there are complex issues involved and a wide range of views in relation to the supply of P medicines; we want to participate in and contribute to this debate so we can all work together to make sure patients receive the best possible advice about their medicines.”

The paper will be used to encourage discussions with individuals and representative bodies, including patients and the public, in the coming months.