Royal College of Pharmacy in England
We support, promote and lead the pharmacy profession across all sectors of pharmacy in England.
The Royal College of Pharmacy is a GB-wide organisation, but there are significant differences in policy in England, Scotland and Wales. That’s why England has its own National Pharmacy Advisory Council and RCPharm England team: to ensure we understand and support all our members and the wider profession in England.
Email us at [email protected]
Contact your RCPharm Regional Ambassador.
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Reclassification will help unlock access to medicines says RPS
This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society welcomes the news from the Department of Health and Social Care encouraging more reclassification applications to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. RPS is a member of the Conditions & Category Working Group, which has worked with the MHRA to identify medicines which could be reclassified from ‘available only on prescription’ (POM) to ‘available in pharmacy’ (P) to improve opportunities for self care and to enable timely and more convenient access to medicines. Six broad health conditions have been identified where medicines could be reclassified to treat allergies, pain, skin problems, digestive disorders, women's health and oral health, based on international practice and real-world evidence. Reclassification of medicines enables people to be treated for specific conditions whilst receiving informed guidance, advice and support from their pharmacy team. President of the RPS Professor Claire Anderson said: "We welcome the news that applications for POM to P switches are being encouraged in six therapeutic areas. Reclassification can provide people with easier access to treatments for a range of symptoms and encourages self-care. “Diagnosing and discussing health problems with patients and advising on the benefits and risks of treatment options are integral to the role of the pharmacy team. “Enabling POM to P switches has a critical role to play in managing demand in primary care. It helps minimise unnecessary GP appointments and A&E attendances for minor conditions and ensures the public get the treatment they need from community pharmacies. “As the professional leadership body for pharmacists, RPS will work closely with the MHRA and manufacturers to provide guidance ensuring what is provided to the public continues to be safe and appropriate for their condition.” Read more RCPharm news stories.
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RPS response to GPhC’s updated guidance on online pharmacy services
Following new GPhC guidance, RPS President Professor Claire Anderson emphasises the importance of patient–prescriber interactions.
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Collaborative Vision for Pharmacy Professional Leadership
This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The UK Pharmacy Professional Leadership Advisory Board (UKPPLAB) has launched a series of webinars during February so that pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and wider pharmacy team members can collaborate on a proposed vision and common purpose for pharmacy professional leadership. RPS is one of eight pharmacy professional leadership bodies, and specialist professional groups, along with independent expert members, that comprise the UKPPLAB. The webinars will take place ahead of a RPS member vote on proposed changes to its governance, including proposals to become a royal college; the Royal College of Pharmacy. The vision and common purpose engagement exercise is aligned with the extensive engagement RPS has already undertaken to inform and consult on its constitution and governance review, which included 15 in-person Roadshow events across Great Britain, open to pharmacists, foundation trainees and pharmaceutical scientists (whether members or not), and its own webinars including for students. There have also been wide-ranging discussions with stakeholders and organisations to explore and gain feedback on the RPS’ proposals for change. Though RPS is not hosting additional webinars as part of this initiative, RPS will be joining the three Advisory Board-led webinars in England, Scotland and Wales. RPS members can sign up to hear more about the UKPPLAB vision and common purpose work. RPS President Professor Claire Anderson said: “As the RPS representative on the UKPPLAB I very much welcome the Board’s approach to creating shared principles for effective and sustainable leadership. "Our extensive series of Roadshow events and discussions have already given RPS members (and non-members) an opportunity to come together and explore what professional leadership means for them, so we are not hosting an additional webinar. We have published a Roadshow Report on the outcome of our many conversations and I’m very grateful for the enthusiasm, insights and constructive feedback shared by everyone who attended the events. “The more we are aligned across the different bodies and groups, the stronger pharmacy professional leadership will become. Continued dialogue is vital as we seek to elevate pharmacy and champion our collective impact on patient care. “The UKPPLAB’s engagement exercise is a prime example of collaboration and an important signal of the collective commitment to co-create effective future pharmacy professional leadership. As a member of the Board, we firmly believe that by working together, the pharmacy can enhance its leadership capabilities and better serve the needs of its patients, professionals and the public." Join the webinars. Read more RCPharm news stories.
Our work in England
Our vision for England
Our vision for the role of and value of pharmacists and pharmacy teams.
Pharmacy practice
Working with NHS England and APTUK on inclusive pharmacy practice.
Future of pharmacy
The NHS in England is changing. Find out what this means for pharmacy.
How we work in England
National Pharmacy Advisory Council
Meet the elected council for England and find out how it works.
The Royal College of Pharmacy England team
Supporting members and leading pharmacy in England.
Our policy and advocacy work
Find out more about the College’s policy and advocacy work.