The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7270 p526
11 October 2003

Society summary

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

Law and Ethics Bulletin, 2001 to present

•  Use of mobile phones in the dispensary
•  Adherence to pharmacy employers' security procedures

Use of mobile phones in the dispensary

Pharmacists are reminded that the use of a personal mobile telephone while working in the dispensary may conflict with the requirements of the Code of Ethics.

The public expects dispensing services to be accurate, accessible and reasonably prompt. The Code of Ethics requires that dispensing must be under the supervision of a pharmacist, who must be available to intervene and advise at all times and that pharmacists should implement procedures to minimise the risk of dispensing errors.

The sale of pharmacy medicines must be made by a pharmacist or a person acting under the supervision of a pharmacist. The Code of Ethics requires a pharmacist to be personally involved whenever such involvement is necessary to ensure an acceptable standard of pharmaceutical care and to ensure that he or she is involved in the decision to supply any medicines that require a pharmacist’s intervention.

A pharmacist who frequently uses a personal mobile telephone to make calls while in the dispensary may be unable to adhere to these requirements.

The Society would investigate any complaint received where concern is expressed that a pharmacist has been using a mobile telephone to make personal calls while engaged in the supply of medicines.

The business of the pharmacy naturally requires calls to be made and received. Pharmacists who are required to deal with business calls must ensure that taking such calls does not have an impact on accuracy.

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Adherence to pharmacy employers' security procedures

Pharmacists are reminded that one of their key responsibilities, as stated in the Code of Ethics, is to ensure that they behave with integrity and probity, adhere to accepted standards of personal and professional conduct and do not engage in any behaviour or activity likely to bring the profession into disrepute.

Given the above, all pharmacists, whether locums or employees, are expected to comply with any security procedures imposed by the owner of the pharmacy, whether they are employed or engaged as a locum. Not to do so could give rise to a complaint of professional misconduct.

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