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Insight Online – February 2025

This month, we are seeking your views on the proposal to amend the RPS charter to change the RPS into a Royal College of Pharmacy. We also highlight how PDA Union recognition has been secured at Superdrug and share our upcoming PDA member-exclusive events.

Tue 25th February 2025 The PDA

In this issue:

PDA seeks pharmacists’ views on an important decision on the future of pharmacy
 

In March 2025, the current members of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) will be asked to vote on a proposal to amend the RPS charter to change the RPS into a Royal College of Pharmacy. Their proposals were published this month and some PDA members, who are also RPS members, have asked us to take a position on the ballot.

To help us inform our position and policy, we are asking PDA members and all pharmacists, trainee pharmacists, and pharmacy students, whether existing RPS members or not, to complete an urgent survey.

Due to the short period between the proposals being published by the RPS, and the ballot commencing, this survey must be completed by midday tomorrow, 26 February 2025.
LEARN MORE AND COMPLETE THE SURVEY

PDA Union recognition secured at Superdrug
 

The Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) have confirmed the results of a ballot of pharmacists and foundation trainee pharmacists employed at Superdrug.

125 Votes (94%) were in favour of the PDA Union being recognised to represent those employees at the company, just 8 votes were against.

More details will follow shortly.
LEARN MORE

PDA launches case against the liberalisation of P medicine sales
 

This month we launched a report against allowing Pharmacy (P) medicines to be available for self-selection from open displays in community pharmacies.

The report, titled ‘Beyond Convenience. Protecting Patients: The Case Against Liberalisation of P Medicine Sales’, urges policymakers to prioritise patient safety and maintain pharmacist involvement in the supply of P medicines.

We assert that restricted access and pharmacist supervision is not just beneficial, but essential for ensuring the appropriate use of P medicines, preventing harm or misuse, and providing professional advice.
LEARN MORE

Share your views on changes to registration fees

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are consulting separately on proposed changes to registration fees for pharmacists. The payment of fees is mandatory to practice as a pharmacist.

Learn more

Ongoing concerns over online prescribing guidance

We have expressed ongoing concerns associated with online prescribing and the provision of services at a distance. Following a short consultation in 2024, the GPhC has published revised guidance, which we believe is a missed opportunity and needed to go further in the interests of patient safety.

Learn more

A step towards success

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has agreed to work with NHS England to explore a unified, consistent policy for funding excess travel and accommodation costs for MPharm students on placements.

Learn more
Below is a list of the other key news stories that have been published on our website this month:

20/2/25 – Boots Pension Scheme: February 2025 Update

19/2/25 – PDA NHS members meet to discuss improving their working lives

16/2/25 – Welcome to your February 2025 PDA Scotland Update

13/2/25 – Joint statement from Boots and the PDA Union on trainee pharmacist Pay rates

11/2/25 – Pharmacists at Superdrug have just days left to decide on PDA Union recognition

10/2/25 – Celebrating #HeartUnions week 2025

08/2/25 – PDA Regional Committees discuss current pharmacy issues at the start of 2025
LEARN MORE

FREE upcoming events for PDA members

Throughout the year we host a range of FREE PDA member events. Below are some upcoming events, including a face-to-face PDA NAWP Network event for all PDA EDI Network members celebrating International Women’s Day!

PDA NI member meeting: PSNI proposed changes to registration fees

Pharmacists in Northern Ireland (NI) may be aware of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) consultation on proposals to change registration fees for pharmacists. We are responding to this and are giving members the chance to share their views at an upcoming member meeting.

Date: Monday 3 March
Time: 7 pm to 8 pm
Place: Online via Microsoft Teams
Price: FREE

Learn more and register today!

How to be assertive: a workshop for PDA locum members

PDA Education is hosting a virtual event exclusively for all locum members who would like to be more assertive and feel confident to speak out, raise issues, and handle tricky conversations in the workplace more effectively.

Date: Tuesday 4 March
Time: 7 pm – 8.30 pm
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams
Price: FREE

Learn more and register today!

Join the PDA NAWP Network in celebrating International Women’s Day

Registration is now open for the PDA NAWP Network’s International Women’s Day (IWD) event. This FREE face-to-face event gives all PDA EDI Network members the chance to be part of the discussion and help affect change. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear a keynote speech from Taiwo Owatemi MP.

Date: Saturday 8 March
Time: 10 am to 3.30 pm
Location: Macdonald Burlington Hotel in Birmingham, B2 4JQ (a short walk from Birmingham New Street train station)
Price: FREE A free lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout the day, along with provisions for those observing Ramadan.

Places for this event are limited and so will be allocated on a first come first served basis so be sure to register now. Registration will end at close of play Friday 28 February.

Learn more and register today!
You can also keep an eye on the events section of our website for more upcoming events.
LEARN MORE

Save up to 50% on your favourite takeaway 

Did you know that as a PDA member, you can save up to 50% on your favourite takeaway with TOTUM+? This offer includes 50% off Domino’s pizza, 20% off Pizza Hut and up to 20% off Just Eat.

You can register for your TOTUM+ card today through PDA Plus and get a 12-month membership for just £12.99. So, if you’re looking for a quiet night in or hosting friends and family, you can find the perfect takeaway.

Learn more and see how you could benefit by logging into your PDA Plus account today!
LOG IN TO YOUR PDA PLUS ACCOUNT TODAY
We support the needs of individual pharmacists and pharmacy students and when necessary, defend their reputation. Therefore, it is crucial that we hold your correct details on file to ensure that you stay supported and do not miss out on important information relating to your membership.

Please take a few minutes to check and if necessary, update your details on our website. If you have more than one employer, please ensure you list each of them.
UPDATE YOUR DETAILS TODAY

 

 

 

 

The Pharmacists' Defence Association is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England; Company No 4746656.

The Pharmacists' Defence Association is an appointed representative in respect of insurance mediation activities only of
The Pharmacy Insurance Agency Limited which is registered in England and Wales under company number 2591975
and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Register No 307063)

The PDA Union is recognised by the Certification Officer as an independent trade union.

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