The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has submitted its response to the General Pharmaceutical Council’s (GPhC) consultation on draft rules and standards for Responsible Pharmacists and Superintendent Pharmacists.
RPS has opposed prescriptive requirements for Superintendent Pharmacists, such as minimum number of years qualified, emphasising that competence should be demonstrated through skills, knowledge and professional judgement.
Regarding Responsible Pharmacists, RPS has agreed that the minimum standards expected are those of any registered pharmacist.
It feels that undergraduate and foundation training should adequately prepare pharmacists to assume these responsibilities.
RPS pointed out that there is a regulatory conflict where the legislation states that only an authorising pharmacist may vary or withdraw an authorisation, whilst the GPhC draft standards allow a Responsible Pharmacist to do so.
It said it is supportive of the provision for Responsible Pharmacists to do this, as their overarching responsibility is for the safe running of a pharmacy. However, this requires an unambiguous resolution from the regulator.
RPS reiterated its unequivocal support for one pharmacist being in charge of one pharmacy at a time.
Members were broadly satisfied with the current two‑hour absence rule but highlighted the need for further exploration of how it is used in practice, potential conflicts with NHS Terms of Service, and specific challenges for remote, rural and island pharmacies.
RPS president Professor Claire Anderson said, “Pharmacists play a vital leadership role in ensuring patients receive safe, effective care. Our response reflects the profession’s commitment to proportionate, workable standards that recognise competence and support professional judgement. We want regulations that enable Responsible and Superintendent Pharmacists to deliver the highest standards of care across all settings.”
