The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 276 No 7394 p381
1 April 2006

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· Supervision
· Substance misuse
· Classification
· Statins
· Self care
· Oxygen services
· Packaging
· Reciprocity
· Overseas pharmacists
· Council elections
· CPD
· Assisted dying

Letters to the Editor

Supervision

The role of “responsible pharmacist”

From Mr P. Patel, MRPharmS

Under forthcoming legislation, the role of a “responsible pharmacist” will be introduced, changing dramatically the concept of supervision. It will mean that the requirement for pharmacists to be on the premises at all times will be relaxed — a landmark change for the profession and also an opportunity for pharmacists to develop their role in the community to the benefit of their patients.

What is not in doubt is the fact that a responsible pharmacist will retain the same overall accountability for the provision of pharmaceutical services, whether on the premises or not. This means that there are important considerations to note.

Before contemplating any period of absence from the pharmacy, pharmacists will have to be satisfied that it will operate safely in their absence. Some of the issues that will need to be addressed in the pharmacist’s assessment are likely to include:

• The proposed length of and reason for absence
• Any relevant professional or Department of Health guidance on absences
• The number, training and competency levels of support staff
• Willingness of support staff to accept increased levels of responsibility
• The existence and use of standard operating procedures
• The ease of contacting the pharmacist in emergencies
• Whether the personal presence of the pharmacist will be required during the proposed period of absence, eg, patient group directives, medicines use review appointments, services to drug misusers
• Patient expectation and demand and the likelihood of customer complaints

All these may seem simple issues and, in a busy pharmacy, the pharmacist will have to assess them and form a judgement on whether he or she is satisfied that it is safe to leave the premises. In many instances, the issues will be straightforward and clear. But, inevitably a small number of incidents will arise, which may raise fitness-to-practise issues for the responsible pharmacist and their health care team. In this case the pharmacist’s judgement may be questioned.

It remains early days in the development of the concept of responsible pharmacist and I encourage all pharmacists to take an interest in this debate. If I am fortunate to be elected to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Council, I will use my voice to represent the interests of all pharmacists, to ensure that clear and unambiguous guidance and support is given. Patient safety should be paramount along with clear professional accountability.

Pradip Patel
Council election candidate
Royal Pharmaceutical Society

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