The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 275 No 7362 p194
13 August 2005

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· Antibiotic resistance
· Registration examination
· Registration
· Pharmacy practice
· Hospital disinfection
· Reciprocity (2)
· National boards
· Regulation of medicines
· Hospital pharmacy (2)
· New oxygen contract

Letters to the Editor

Pharmacy practice

What defines a sufficient work break?

From Mr P. S. Summerfield, MRPharmS

After being approached by several colleagues about the issue of what constitutes a sufficient work break, I have an answer that is in line with the “Working time directive”. I have taken into account the advice that Lord Fraser has given with respect to the issue of a pharmacist being absent from a pharmacy.

However, I would like to invite the superintendent pharmacists and, indeed, all pharmacists to clarify what, in their experiences, defines a sufficient work break. With that in mind, I would like to start the issue with the following, which after a discussion with a colleague, was the answer that I received. I present this to colleagues who ask my humble opinion on this issue.

A sufficient work break constitutes the following: a break, away from the pharmacy and away from any matters to deal with pharmacy, for 10 minutes in the morning, 30 minutes at lunchtime and a further 10-minute break in the afternoon.

Hopefully, this is the starting point from which we can all work. I hope that my request for a discussion of this issue is not disregarded and that a policy may be devised which can be acted upon regarding this important issue. I now ask for the opinions of my colleagues.

Paul Summerfield
Powick, Worcester

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