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Law and Ethics
Mobile phone warning illogical
From Mr R. J. Woodhouse, MRPharmS
It seems illogical for the Royal Pharmaceutical Society to warn
specifically against the use of mobile telephones in pharmacies (PJ, 11 October, p526)
when the conventional wired variety have similar benefits and drawbacks.
I offer a short-notice emergency locum service and sometimes receive
relevant enquiries via a mobile telephone. At times when the pharmacy
is particularly busy, I can turn it off to avoid being distracted. This
professional discretion is not available for the permanent telephone.
I am frequently interrupted during periods of busy dispensing by urgent
telephone calls offering unmissable financial, timeshare and double-glazing
offers.
Professional discretion will also be withheld from pharmacists who work
for a large national chain which has installed a “radio” service
of piped music and advertisements, which cannot be turned off in individual
branches. Does the Society have any instructions to give regarding this
development?
R. Woodhouse
Bath
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HELEN POTTER, pharmacist adviser, professional standards directorate,
Royal Pharmaceutical Society, replies:
The Law and Ethics Bulletin
was published in response to a complaint received at the Society
about a pharmacist continually using his personal mobile telephone
while working in a pharmacy.
A pharmacist concerned that his professional responsibilities
would be affected, particularly at busy times, by the business
telephone may find it more appropriate
to delegate the answering of the telephone and the taking of messages to
a member of the pharmacy staff.
The Code of Ethics requires owners or superintendents to ensure the
working conditions and facilities within the pharmacy enable the
provisions of services to professionally
accepted standards and they do not seek to impose conditions on pharmacists
which may adversely affect their ability to comply with their professional
and legal
duties. Pharmacists concerned that the environment in which they are working
may affect their professional duties should contact the owner or superintendent
of the company. |
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