Medicine shortages
Our work to highlight how medicine shortages affect patient care, the pressures on pharmacy teams, and recommendations to inform action.
World Patient Safety Day (WPSD) 2026
This year’s World Patient Safety Day theme focuses on safe and effective care for people living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), under the slogan ‘Safe care for life!’.
Our focus on education and credentialing
RCPharm President Tase Oputu reflects on a significant moment for pharmacy and the College’s focus on education, professional development and credentialing.
Enhanced curriculum and credentialing
Supporting newly qualified pharmacist prescribers to develop their prescribing practice, build professional capability and progress with confidence.
RCPharm annual conference 2026
Bringing together pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists from across the UK and beyond, this will be our first Annual Conference as the new Royal College.
For newly qualified pharmacists
This resource hub provides real-time practical support to ensure you develop the capability, confidence and professional judgement you need to prescribe safely and effectively.
Celebrating Black History Month 2026
Join us in celebrating Black History Month throughout October, to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Black people to British society and pharmacy.
News
The latest news and updates from Royal College of Pharmacy.
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Royal College of Pharmacy calls for further action on medicines shortages
Following the publication of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pharmacy’s latest report, 'Inquiry into Medicines Shortages in England: One Year On', Tase Oputu, President of the Royal College of Pharmacy, said: “Patients and pharmacy teams continue to feel the impact of medicines shortages. While there have been some positive steps, including collaboration between government, regulators, the NHS and industry, today’s report shows there is still more to do. “A national strategy on medicines shortages must continue to be supported by senior leaders in the new Government and backed with investment, alongside reforms on medicines reimbursement and supply in community pharmacy. “I welcome the APPG’s support for enabling pharmacists to make substitutions when a medicine is in short supply. I would urge Ministers to respond to the consultation and take action to improve patient access to medicines and reduce pressure on the NHS.” Read our report, 'Medicines shortages: solutions for empty shelves – one year on', for our recommendations to tackle medicines shortages. Read more news stories.
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RCPharm Vice President recognised among HSJ’s most influential Black, Asian and minority ethnic leaders in health
Congratulations to Professor Mahendra Patel OBE, Vice President of the Royal College of Pharmacy and Chair of the English Pharmacy Advisory Council, who has been named in the Health Service Journal’s top 75 most influential Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in health. Professor Patel was recognised for advancing health equity and inclusive research. His pioneering efforts to increase participation among underrepresented communities in the PRINCIPLE and PANORAMIC COVID-19 clinical trials helped shape more inclusive research practices across the UK and led to his appointment as a founding Director of the Centre for Research Equity at the University of Oxford. He said: “I am very honoured to be included in this year’s HSJ list. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of colleagues, partners and communities across the country who have worked tirelessly to improve health equity and ensure more people can benefit from research and healthcare innovations. “I am particularly proud of the progress being made across pharmacy, which continues to play a vital role in addressing health inequalities and improving outcomes for patients and communities." Professor Patel has partnered with government research and development departments in Wales and Northern Ireland, and as Distinguished Visiting Professor at IIT Bombay, to advance equitable participation in research. The Royal College of General Practitioners made him an Honorary Fellow in 2025, recognising his leadership and work on health inequalities. He has also focused on breaking down barriers to professional inclusion and increasing collaborative working across disciplines and professions. HSJ’s Black, Asian and minority ethnic 75 seeks to measure positive power and influence in the English NHS and health policy in the 12 months following the judging date (July 2026 to June 2027). Read more news stories.
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Black History Month event highlights representation and belonging in pharmacy
The importance of representation, mentorship and community support in building a more inclusive pharmacy profession was a key theme at the tenth annual Black History Month celebration hosted by the Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm). Held at the College’s London headquarters and online, Honouring Our Communities brought together pharmacy professionals to reflect on the people and experiences that shape careers, alongside the barriers that Black colleagues continue to face. (RCPharm) Opening the event, Tase Oputu, RCPharm President, reflected on the significance of the College’s first elections and becoming its first Black woman President. She expressed her hope that representation, inclusion and belonging would become foundations of the profession rather than aspirations. (Pictured: Tase Oputu) (Pictured: Samson Akere) Samson Akere, pharmacist and owner of Totty Pharmacy in Charlton, south-east London, delivered the keynote address, The Positive Ripple Effect. He spoke about his journey to owning a community pharmacy, the importance of bringing patient-centred care into local communities and the role mentorship can play in helping others achieve their ambitions. A panel discussion chaired by Tase brought together Tobi Oladejo, External Relations Officer at the British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association and Foundation Trainee Pharmacist, Sam Appiah-Anane, President of the UK Black Pharmacists Association, and Jenny Ahua, Pharmacy Technician at University College London Hospitals. (Pictured from left to right: Tobi Oladejo, Sam Appiah-Anane and Jenny Ahua) The panellists reflected on the importance of representation from student life through to leadership, and how professional networks, confidence and community support can help people progress. They also discussed barriers within pharmacy and the challenges Black women can face in the workplace, highlighting the need to build on progress towards a more inclusive profession. At the end of the event, there was the opportunity for in-person attendees to connect over Caribbean and African food. The event was hosted in collaboration with the UK Black Pharmacists Association, the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK, Pharmacy Technicians of Colour, the Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists, the British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association, the Female Pharmacy Leaders Network and Pharmacy Business. This event forms part of the Royal College of Pharmacy’s wider programme celebrating diversity and inclusion across the profession. Read Tase Oputu’s message for Black History Month on the importance of tackling racism and discrimination, and building a pharmacy profession where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. Join the ABCD meeting, Holding Space: Listening, Reflection and Solidarity, on Thursday 22 October, 5pm–6pm, online via Microsoft Teams. The session will provide a confidential, supportive space for Black pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacy technicians working in academia and education and training to share experiences and reflect on racism, discrimination and inclusion. Find out more and register.
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Open letter calls for NICE to review guideline in response to propranolol concerns
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), the Patient Safety Commissioner for England, the Royal College of Pharmacy and the College of Mental Health Pharmacy have written to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to request a review of its guideline on the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults. The joint letter follows ongoing patient safety concerns associated with propranolol, identified through regulatory work and patient safety intelligence, including fatal overdoses highlighted through Prevention of Future Deaths reports. Propranolol is not currently recommended or mentioned within NICE guideline CG113. The organisations are asking NICE to review the guideline and make clear that propranolol is not recommended by NICE for the management of anxiety disorders and to highlight the risks associated with overdose. The organisations also ask NICE to consider providing appropriate prescribing and safety advice for circumstances where propranolol is prescribed for anxiety in line with clinical judgement. The letter, which was coordinated by the GPhC, has been signed by Dr Roz Gittins, Chief Pharmacy Officer at the GPhC; Professor Henrietta Hughes, Patient Safety Commissioner for England; Dr Emily Kennedy, Head of Professional Standards, Guidance and Patient Safety at the Royal College of Pharmacy; and Nicola Greenhalgh, President of the College of Mental Health Pharmacy. Dr Emily Kennedy said: “Recent patient safety concerns highlight the need for NICE to review and strengthen its guideline on the use of propranolol for anxiety. We support NICE considering the latest evidence and safety information so that clinicians, including pharmacists, can make informed prescribing decisions and help protect patients from avoidable harm." The Royal College of Pharmacy and the Royal College of Physicians Medicines Safety Joint Working Group, in collaboration with the National Poisons Information Service, previously wrote to the MHRA requesting a review of the medicine’s safety information, particularly around overdose, self-harm and suicide risk. Read the full letter. Read more news stories.
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As new campaign launches, RCPharm highlights rising abuse of community pharmacy teams
The Royal College of Pharmacy is backing a new NHS England campaign aimed at encouraging the public to treat pharmacy teams with respect and recognising the vital role they play in delivering care in local communities. Amandeep Doll, director for England, recently highlighted on BBC Morning Live the growing levels of abuse and aggression faced by community pharmacy teams across the country. During the interview, Amandeep explained how pressures across the wider health service, coupled with ongoing medicines shortages, can leave patients feeling frustrated. She described how pharmacy teams often bear the brunt of this, despite working hard to help people access the care and medicines they need, stressing that abuse towards pharmacy staff is never acceptable. Amandeep also highlighted the College’s call for the government to give pharmacists greater flexibility to make appropriate substitutions when prescribed medicines are unavailable, helping patients receive treatment more quickly and reducing unnecessary delays. The campaign is the first of the 2026/2027 Community Pharmacy Contract. Pharmacy owners must promote the campaign from 5–25 October, which can be done by displaying posters at the pharmacy or providing information on the pharmacy’s website or on its social media channels. Community pharmacy teams play an essential role in supporting patients and ensuring safe access to medicines. The College continues to call for measures to protect the wellbeing of the pharmacy workforce. Watch BBC Morning Live Experiencing abuse can be distressing. Contact our Professional Support line for confidential advice; The Pharmaceutical Journal has useful guidance on approaching difficult situations and challenging conversations; Download NHS posters to encourage patients to treat pharmacy teams with respect.
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College backs stronger controls on vape packaging
The Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm) is calling for tougher action to reduce the appeal of vaping and nicotine products to children and young people, while protecting their role in helping adults quit smoking. Responding to the government's consultation in England on the regulation of tobacco, vaping and nicotine products, RCPharm has backed stronger restrictions on product packaging, branding and design to help curb uptake of nicotine products by young people, including measures to prevent products from resembling toys, games or lifestyle accessories. RCPharm states nicotine and vaping packaging should prioritise public health over consumer appeal. It highlights that whilst nicotine e-cigarettes can help people quit smoking, access to accurate advice and effective smoking cessation support must be maintained through community pharmacies. The College is also calling for better product information so people can understand nicotine strength, ingredients and relative risk of harm. The College does not support allowing community pharmacies to be exempt from restrictions on the display of non-medicinal vaping and nicotine products. It argues there is no direct evidence that product displays improve smoking cessation outcomes. It further states that pharmacies should maintain a clear distinction between their clinical role in providing evidence-based smoking cessation support, and the sale of non-medicinal nicotine products. Professor Amira Guirguis, Chief Scientist at the Royal College of Pharmacy, said: “We strongly support measures that reduce the appeal of vaping and nicotine products to consumers, particularly children and young people. "Community pharmacies play a vital role in helping people to stop smoking and improve their health. Regulations should support that clinical role, help smokers make informed choices about smoking cessation products and ensure they are presented responsibly.” Read our consultation response.
We are the Royal College of Pharmacy, the professional leadership body for pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. We exist to advance the safe and effective use of medicines, drive excellence in patient care and support pharmacists to deliver the highest standards of practice.
As the third largest workforce in healthcare, pharmacy plays a vital role in the health system, and as experts in medicines, pharmacists and their teams are central to patient care and public health. Our mission is to put pharmacy at the forefront of patient care, advancing the safe and effective use of medicines to the benefit of patients and the public.
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