The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 266 No 7152 p811
June 16, 2001

An occasional feature, prepared in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Professional Standards Directorate, to highlight problems and inquiries currently being handled

• Pharmacists’ working hours
• Telephoned orders for “specials”

Pharmacists’ working hours

Pharmacists are reminded that they should ensure that they do not work for extended periods without taking appropriate rest breaks. Not taking appropriate breaks could adversely affect a pharmacist’s ability to practise safely. The new Code of Ethics supports this requirement by stating that pharmacists should ensure that they “do not work in conditions that do not enable them to comply with the key responsibilities of a pharmacist”.

Similarly, pharmacy owners, superintendent pharmacists and managers have a personal professional responsibility to ensure that they do not seek to impose conditions on pharmacists that may adversely affect their legal and professional duties. Requiring employee pharmacists to work extended periods without adequate provision for rest breaks could constitute a breach of this requirement of the Code of Ethics.

Back to Top

Telephoned orders for “specials”

Pharmacists are reminded that when placing a telephoned order for a “special” to fulfil a prescription, it is important that the order is clearly given so that there can be no ambiguity as to exactly what is required. A faxed or e-mailed order is preferable as this would provide a written check.

When the “special” is received, the pharmacist should be particularly vigilant in checking that the it is the product ordered and that the formula and strength are in accordance with the prescription.

Pharmacists are also reminded of the record keeping requirements for the supply of “specials” (PJ, April 21, p533).

Back to Top