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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RPS awarded extended contract for prescribing training in Wales
This was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) are proud to announce a three-year extension of their successful learning programme tailored to support pharmacists in Wales to deliver the Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Service (PIPS) with confidence. Originally launched in 2024, the programme is designed to equip pharmacists with the essential knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide excellent patient care. The programme offers practical, clinically focused workshops across Wales. Designed by experienced pharmacist prescribers and GPs, sessions focus on conditions commonly seen in community pharmacy and include case studies, group activities and expert Q&As. The extension means the programme will continue to run until at least 2028, helping to embed high-quality prescribing services across Wales. Elen Jones, RPS Director for England and Wales, said: “We are thrilled to continue and build upon this collaboration with HEIW as we embark on a new three-year journey to further empower pharmacists across Wales to deliver high-quality prescribing services to our communities. This extended partnership builds on the success of last year’s work and reflects the ongoing commitment to advancing the role of prescribing pharmacists.” “I am particularly pleased to recognise the invaluable contribution of prescribing pharmacists once again in Wales, whose expertise and feedback have been instrumental in shaping the content of this programme. With a continued focus on common conditions and minor ailments, this programme addresses the daily challenges faced by pharmacists in practice. By providing pharmacists with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to treat specific conditions as prescribers, we are not only enhancing patient care but also further strengthening the role of pharmacists as vital, trusted members of the healthcare team.” Margaret Allan, Pharmacy Dean at HEIW, said: “We are pleased to be able to build on our collaboration with RPS by continuing the HEIW/ RPS Independent Prescriber Series aimed at Pharmacists accredited to provide the Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Service (PIPS) within Wales.” “Feedback from the programme in 2024/25 has been overwhelmingly positive, and many participants have reported an increase in knowledge, skills and confidence when supporting patients after attendance at an event.” “We are looking forward to offering further events to support PIPS with plans to increase the number of places available and offer more local events to improve equity of access to PIPS provision across Wales.” Read more RCPharm news stories.
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Prescription charge in England frozen for 2025
This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Commenting on the government's announcement today that the cost of the prescription charge and pre-payment certificates in England have been frozen for 2025/2026, Chair of RPS England Tase Oputu said: “This is a welcome pause in the otherwise relentless rise of the prescription charge for patients. No-one should face a financial barrier to get the medicines they need to stay well. “Pharmacists tell us they regularly see patients going without essential, life-saving medicines because they can’t afford all the items they’ve been prescribed. “When patients can’t afford their medicines, their health suffers, leading to more GP appointments, an increased risk of hospital admissions and added pressure on the NHS. Today’s news rightly recognises the key role that medicines play in helping people stay health and shifting care closer to home. “Millions of pounds are spent each year policing a complex prescription charges system that puts avoidable strain on patients and pharmacy teams alike. I hope the Government can build on today’s announcement, listen to the concerns of patients and health professionals, and bring about an end to unaffordable prescription charges in England.” The prescription charge will remain at £9.90 per item; a 3-month prescription prepayment certificate will be frozen at £32.05 and a 12-month certificate will remain at £114.50.
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RPS welcomes new funding settlement for community pharmacy
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has welcomed a new funding settlement for community pharmacy in England, calling it the sector’s best deal in a decade and a vital step toward improving patient access, addressing long-term underinvestment and reducing health inequalities.
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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.