Medicine shortages
Our work to highlight how medicine shortages affect patient care, the pressures on pharmacy teams, and recommendations to inform action.
From our President Tase Oputu
On 15 April 1841, a dedicated group of London chemists and druggists came together to form a professional body. Today, 185 years later, I am immensely proud to welcome you…
What’s next for a community pharmacist prescribing service in England?
This episode of The PJ Pod reflects on the ‘Community pharmacy independent prescribing pathfinder programme’…
Credentialing
We provide a standardised credentialing framework for pharmacists’ post-registration education and training, enabling them to be recognised for their advancing professional capabilities.
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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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.