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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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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Senedd told of pressures facing pharmacy teams in Wales
RPS Wales has briefed Members of the Senedd on the RPS workforce wellbeing survey findings which show high burnout risk, increasing workplace pressures, the urgent need for investment, protected learning time and action on abuse.
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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.