Insight Online – April 2025

Celebrating 184 years of Pharmacist Support 
 

The PDA and Pharmacist Support will be embarking on a new programme to build on their long-standing partnership.Using a themed approach, each year, a new initiative will be introduced to raise awareness of key issues affecting pharmacy professionals, encourage collaborative action, and drive engagement in wellbeing activities. This year’s focus will be on isolation and loneliness.

The announcement comes on the 184th anniversary of Pharmacist Support, the profession’s independent charity that provides a wide range of support services to pharmacists and their families, pharmacy students, and former pharmacists in Great Britain.

Each year, the PDA donates £1 per member to Pharmacist Support. Since 2017, the PDA has committed to making this contribution on an ongoing basis to support the work of the charity. These donations now exceed £300k.

PDA releases guidance on automated accuracy checking systems
 

The PDA has received inquiries from members who are concerned about the introduction of automated accuracy checking systems in their workplace. As a result, the PDA has released guidance on potential issues.The PDA has undertaken a detailed review to assess the potential implications for pharmacists, patient safety, and professional accountability when it comes to using automated accuracy checking systems. Many members have sought advice, and the PDA is committed to supporting them through these challenges.

The guidance covers a range of issues such as record keeping, implications for patient care, ethical concerns and more. Each issue is also followed by actionable advice from the PDA, however, members are still encouraged to contact the PDA with any other concerns they may have with the systems.

Government announces new Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework for England
 

Following the recent government announcement of a new Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework for England, PDA Director of Pharmacy, Jay Badenhorst, calls for a framework that works for pharmacists and patients.The government and Community Pharmacy England (CPE) have officially announced the results of negotiations of the 2024/25 and 2025/26 Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF). This agreement sets the direction for pharmacy services in England and determines how community pharmacies contribute to the NHS reform agenda.

With pharmacists and pharmacy teams under increasing pressure from rising prescription volumes and expanding clinical service expectations, the PDA is calling for a contractual framework that genuinely supports pharmacists, ensures safe patient care, and guarantees the long-term sustainability of community pharmacy.