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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Use of paracetamol during pregnancy
This was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Following recent comments from the Trump administration suggesting a link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Professor Claire Anderson, said: “Paracetamol has been used safely by millions of people for decades, including during pregnancy, when taken as directed. It is the first-line choice for pain management and fever control in a variety of patients, including pregnant women, children and the elderly. “A large study* conducted in 2024 found no evidence of a link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and an increased risk of autism in children. This research, which followed over 2.4 million children, provides reassurance for expectant parents that paracetamol remains a safe option for managing pain or fever during pregnancy when used as recommended. “As always, anyone with concerns about their medicines should speak to a pharmacist or other trusted healthcare professional to ensure they are getting sound advice from a trusted source.” *The study referred to is in JAMA Read the original letter to doctors from the US Food and Drug Administration on paracetamol and autism. RPS commentary was quoted in over 550 regional, national and international news outlets as part of an effort by many organisations to correct misinformation about the use of paracetamol during pregnancy and autism.
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RPS launching new e-learning module to tackle polypharmacy and drug interactions
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), in partnership with EL Healthcare Education, is launching a new e-learning module to help healthcare professionals safely manage polypharmacy and reduce the risks linked to drug interactions.
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Adam Pattison Rathbone receives RPS Barnett Award 2025
This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society is proud to announce that Adam Pattison Rathbone has been awarded the RPS Barnett Award, recognising his exceptional commitment to mentorship and professional development in pharmacy. Adam is a clinical academic at Newcastle University who has dedicated over 15 years to developing pharmacy education and supporting the profession. He has led innovations in clinical teaching, placements and case-based learning, and has published widely on novel approaches to pharmacy education. Adam played a key role working with senior leaders to create the new role of Ward Medicines Assistants, which has since been adopted in many NHS Trusts across England and Scotland. He was also instrumental in developing the Great North Pharmacy Research and Great North Pharmacy Careers Conferences with colleagues across North East England, which continue to support professional development across the sector. Adam is also an active mentor through the RPS, universities and FIP, supporting colleagues through RPS credentialing, the development of their peer review skills and their growth as educational leaders. Alongside his professional achievements, he has shown remarkable commitment to lifelong learning, completing a PhD, clinical prescribing qualifications, and training in counselling to support colleagues, students and patients. His leadership, inclusiveness and dedication to others’ growth have made a lasting impact on the profession. Adam Pattison Rathbone, said: “It is a real honour to have been nominated for this award. Nina was an amazing inspiration to many pharmacists, including me. I hope I can continue to support others and help as many people as she did throughout her career. Thank you to those who nominated me and to all the mentees, mentors and colleagues I’ve been able to work with. It is only the support that I have received myself, from many different people, that has allowed me to go on to help and support others the way I do, so thank you.” RPS president Claire Anderson said: "We’re delighted to present this award to Adam. His leadership in education, research and mentorship has a profound impact on colleagues across the profession. The Barnett Award celebrates those who dedicate their time to supporting and advancing others, and Adam exemplifies that commitment.” Created by the RPS in memory of esteemed RPS Fellow Nina Barnett, this award honours individuals who have dedicated their careers to supporting, mentoring, and advancing others within the profession. Adam will be amongst fellow RPS Honours and Fellowship recipients invited to the RPS Annual Conference to receive his award in person. Read more about RPS Honours and Fellowships. Read more RCPharm news stories.
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RPS launches new consultation to strengthen inclusion, diversity and equity in pharmacy
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has launched a new profession-wide consultation to better understand inclusion, diversity and equity across the pharmacy sector.
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RPS sets course for royal college with the announcement of leadership changes
Four key roles will be available as royal college transformations continue amidst five-year strategy planning
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Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month 2025
This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Our Many Threads, One Fabric – South Asian Heritage Month 2026 event is now live. Click here to book your place now! Did you catch our celebrations for South Asian Heritage Month, which explores the history and identity of British South Asians? We collaborated with Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK, British Pharmaceutical Students' Association (BPSA), Female Pharmacy Leaders Network, Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists Pharmacy Technicians of Colour, UK Black Pharmacist Association and Pharmacy Business Magazine to create some fabulous pharmacy highlights for you to enjoy. ‘Roots to Routes’ event We hosted our 'Roots to Routes' event at De-Montfort University in Leicester, where we came together to celebrate the contributions of South Asian communities in pharmacy and explore the identity, heritage and journeys that shape us. Find out more here. (Roots to Routes, RCPharm) Ayurvedic medicines in the RPS Museum (RPS Museum) The RPS Museum showcased two examples of Ayurvedic medicine from its collection: Jakhme Ruz, a healing ointment from Gujarat, and Maha Sudarshan Churna, a powdered remedy from early 20th-century India. These items reflect the enduring legacy of Ayurveda and its influence on global health practices. Read the blog. Fun facts with the BPSA The BPSA shared a collection of fun facts celebrating the diversity of South Asia, highlighting the rich history, culture and contributions of each country in the region. Explore them here. (British pharmaceutical students association) Find out more about our inclusion and diversity work. Read more RCPharm news stories.
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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