Pharmacy Workforce Race Equality Standards
The recent publication of the PWRES contained shocking but unsurprising findings. Black, Asian and minority ethnic members of the pharmacy team are underrepresented at higher Agenda for Change banding. They also face higher levels of bullying and abuse. Knowing there are problems only represents half of the battle. We call for tangible actions from all pharmacy staff employers, not limited to only the NHS, to support improvement and change in this area.
The work of the Inclusive Pharmacy Practice initiative is providing key to driving this forward and the GHP is a fully supportive member of the advisory group.
Full PWRES report available here
Are you ready?
Changes to the initial education and training (IET) for pharmacists are well underway in order to attempt to meet the ambitious timeframes for all to become prescribers at point of registration. Experiential learning is increasing, the foundation training year (FTY) becoming a key area in developing prescribing competencies, and the development of pharmacists as Designated Prescribing Practitioners (DPPs) to supervise others underway.
Given the significant changes we encourage all working pharmacists to take stock of what the implications are and could be for them as individuals. Does your job plan adequately cover the time to understand the roles and responsibilities required? Do you have sufficient protected development time? A recent survey we did of 305 respondents worryingly showed that over 60% of respondents did not feel they had adequate time to perform the role and 20% did not know what a DPP was.
Becoming a DPP is not compulsory. If you do wish to take on the role we encourage adding the function to your job description and ensuring you have sufficient training, support, and time to do this within the terms of your employment.
Clinical Pharmacy Congress North
We will be at CPC North in Manchester on 3rd and 4th November this year. GHP members can register here for free to attend. We have a panel on “Off the beaten path” leadership in the Keynote Theatre past 5pm featuring GHP Vice Chair of Environmental Sustainability and all-round green guru Minna Eii. There will be a stand and opportunity to come and meet some of the team.
It may be a good chance to attend CPC if you’re in the region. Usually CPC is held in London and this is the first time it has been brought up north.
Additionally at CPC we will be launching our centenary publication – a limited print run 100 year special featuring all that the Guild has worked on over that lengthy period. A great opportunity for all to see where we’ve come from and where we’re going.
Check out our other upcoming events at our webpage www.ghp.org.uk/events
-Nathan Burley, GHP President