To reflect its changing role, for the first time in its history the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain has agreed a two-part response from both a Regulatory and Professional Leadership Body (PLB) perspective to the Government’s consultation on the Draft Pharmacy Order 2009.
The Order will establish the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), the new regulator for pharmacy, in 2010. The consultation, which opened on 9 December 2008, was carried out by the Department for Health jointly with the Scottish Government, and on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government.
Wendy Harris, Deputy Registrar and Director of Regulation at the Society said:
“We are totally focussed on ensuring that the GPhC’s regulatory framework is robust, fair, proportionate, transparent, accountable and efficient. The regulator must inspire the confidence of the public and the professions it regulates.
“We welcome the emphasis on public protection and the promotion of health, safety and well-being as the main objectives proposed for the GPhC and it is vital that this also gives due emphasis to the quality of care. This emphasis should help to maintain and reinforce public confidence in pharmacy regulation.”
The response focusing on PLB viewpoints was developed by the Society’s National Pharmacy Boards for England, Scotland and Wales. Beth Taylor, speaking on behalf of the three Boards, said:
“We want to see a robust working relationship between the two future organisations based on a clear mutual understanding of their respective roles and close collaboration on areas of common interest.
“The response to the Order is an important step in developing a PLB that drives aspirations and fosters innovation in pharmacy, whilst depending on the GPhC to enforce standards and maintain the gateway to the profession. Pharmacists need both regulation and professional leadership to help them improve their practice and provide high quality services to patients.”
Press release from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
10 March 2009