The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7203 p861-867
22 June 2002

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Pharmacists face NHS job checks

Pharmacists intending to take up jobs in the National Health Service in England are to face stringent new checks before receiving unconditional job offers.

Rules coming into force on 1 July require health authorities, NHS trusts and primary care trusts to check the credentials of health professionals, including pharmacists who are to be offered jobs. Successful applicants will have to declare any criminal convictions, police cautions or impending prosecutions and whether they are under investigation by professional regulators or have ever been disqualified from practice.

They will also have to prove their identity by producing their birth certificates and an acceptable photographic proof of identity, such as a photo driving licence or current passport. There will also be compulsory medical assessments. Employers will be required to check professional details with the applicant's relevant professional regulatory body.

No new appointments can be made until all these checks have been completed, says a Department of Health circular. Employment agencies will be required to carry out the same checks for any locums they supply to the NHS.

Employers should not carry out these checks on all job applicants, only on those that are finally selected for appointment, the circular states.

HSC 2002/008, Pre- and post-appointment checks for all persons working in the NHS in England. Department of Health, PO Box 777, London SE1 6XH (www.doh.gov.uk/publications/coinh.html).