The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 277 No 7429 p657
2 December 2006

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Foster review ignores non-NHS professionals, says IPMI

Recent regulatory proposals from the Department of Health seem to apply only to health professionals who work in the NHS, the Institute of Pharmacy Management International has said. The consequences for professionals who do not work with patients have not been considered.

The IPMI’s response to the Foster review of non-medical regulation (PJ, 22 July, p97) also criticises the report for focusing on England without making adequate consideration of organisations and structures in Scotland. However, the IPMI agrees with many of the proposals.

It also supports proposals for broad standards frameworks for professional practice, but warns that they could impede developments.

“Government must remember that progress is made by challenging or changing practice, and innovation must not be stopped for fears of regulatory action for straying outside existing practice standards in patients’ interests,” the IPMI says.

It adds: “Professional regulation must relate to all roles the profession fulfils, not just the majority role. Quite how to regulate and revalidate managerial roles or industrial or academic pharmacists is not considered.”