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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Call to action for political parties ahead of general election
This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Ahead of the General Election, we’ve written an open letter calling on political parties to support our joint manifesto for community pharmacy. We’ve joined Community Pharmacy England, the Company Chemists’ Association, and the National Pharmacy Association to highlight the essential role that pharmacies play in providing accessible healthcare and the need for increased funding and support to meet the growing demand for pharmacists’ expertise. Our community pharmacy manifesto outlines a six-point plan, including sustainable funding, support for the workforce, ensuring patient access to medicines, Pharmacy First, pharmacist prescribing, and health inequalities. Tase Oputu, chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in England, said: “Community pharmacy plays a central role in the care of millions of patients each year, but the system is also under pressure, and sustainable funding and support for the workforce will be crucial. “As more pharmacists become prescribers, I’d urge the next government to make the most of this opportunity to transform patient care and ensure a positive future for community pharmacy at the heart of the nation’s health service.” Read the open letter. Ask your local election candidates to show their support for pharmacy by sharing our manifesto. Read more RCPharm news stories.
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A new chapter for Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference
This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. As the 41st edition of Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference is released, the long-time publisher of this highly respected and trusted publication, Pharmaceutical Press, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s knowledge business, announces this will be the final print edition. Future updates will only be available online through MedicinesComplete. From the first edition of 313 pages that once fitted snug inside a health professional’s coat pocket to the 41st edition of 4,896 pages housed in two volumes, Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference has grown and adapted to meet the changing needs of time-pressured health and industry professionals. “William Martindale’s original aim when publishing the first edition in July 1883 — that pharmacists should have access to the most up-to-date pharmaceutical information — has always remained at the heart of the publication. In today’s online-first world, we’re able to better support Martindale’s original aim through digital updates on MedicinesComplete.” Alison Brayfield, editor MedicinesComplete makes it easy for health and industry professionals to quickly access evaluated and regularly updated knowledge. Content navigation is also improved by digital links, including those between preparations and drug monographs. In addition, content not available in the print edition such as the chemical structure of a substance and two extra chapters is provided. “Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference is relied on globally for concise and specific detail to identify and understand drugs, herbals, and other pharmaceutical substances. Reviewed and updated quarterly on MedicinesComplete, this evaluated knowledge resource supports researchers and health professionals in confident decision-making.” Karen Baxter, MD Pharmaceutical Press and Deputy CEO Royal Pharmaceutical Society The 41st and final print edition of Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference is expected to sell out as medicines information libraries and organisations worldwide seek to complete their collections. For more information visit: PharmaceuticalPress.com/MartindaleOnline Read more RCPharm news stories.
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Health Committee publishes pharmacy report
This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has welcomed a new report by the House of Commons Health and Social Care Select Committee, following its inquiry into pharmacy. We engaged extensively with the Committee throughout the process, submitting written evidence, attending a roundtable event, and giving evidence in person at a public hearing. RPS director for England James Davies gave evidence to the Committee in November 2023 and highlighted key issues around workforce planning, wellbeing and protected learning time, investment in pharmacy students through the Learning Support Fund, medicines shortages, and interoperable patient records. The Committee has subsequently made a number of recommendations, addressing many RPS key policy asks: Reviewing the effectiveness of Serious Shortage Protocols Enabling pharmacists in community settings to make substitutions to help manage medicines shortages An independent review of the medicines supply chain Further development of clinical services in community pharmacy settings Provision of HIV-prevention medication PrEP through community pharmacy Interoperable read/write access to patient records in community pharmacy Reform of the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework Enabling pharmacy students to access the Learning Support Fund Ensuring that all pharmacists have adequate access to supervision, training, and protected learning time, along with clear structures for professional career development An independent review of hospital medicines management. Tase Oputu, RPS England Chair, said: “Today’s report acknowledges the vital role of pharmacists and pharmacy teams across the whole health service and also sets out some key challenges that need to be addressed urgently. “Our evidence to the Committee highlighted RPS key campaign issues around workforce planning, wellbeing and protected learning time, investment in pharmacy students through the Learning Support Fund and much-needed investment in IT and interoperable patient records. “While we have seen some welcome progress towards advancing the clinical role of pharmacists in the NHS, the report shows there is still more to do to make the most of the growing number of pharmacist prescribers. “The Committee has rightly recognised the growing impact of medicines shortages on patient care and the widespread support for reform. Our investigation into medicines shortages will report on this later in the year. “Whoever wins the general election, this report sets out clear priorities for pharmacy and there’s no doubt the next government must act on today’s recommendations and put improving patient care at the heart of its agenda.” Read the full report. Watch Davies giving evidence to the Committee below. https://youtu.be/W6380iUDjcY Davies also talks about expanding the role of pharmacists beyond hospitals. He mentions the future integration of prescribing skills for all newly qualified pharmacists starting in 2026, making best use of the skill mix within the entire pharmacy team, and exploring opportunities in clinical trials and the life science sector. Watch below. https://youtu.be/ByY2hIblKGg Watch the committee session Read our written evidence to the committee. Support pharmacy in the general election by sharing our manifesto. 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.