Far-right riots: Pharmacy bodies stand united against racism

Community Pharmacy England has expressed concerns that protest activity across England may impact the operation of community pharmacies

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPHC), Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), Company Chemists Association (CCA), Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK), National Pharmacy Association (NPA), Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists, Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA), and Independent Pharmacies Association (IPA) have released a joint statement in response to the far-right riots across the UK.

They emphasised their united stance, declaring zero tolerance for racism towards colleagues or the public in any form.

The joint statement reads: “We are shocked and saddened by the violent public disorder events in recent days.

“We acknowledge how all sectors of the pharmacy profession may be impacted and recognise the challenges that this level of overt aggression can have on people’s ability or willingness to live their daily lives.

“The pharmacy workforce deserves peace and safety, not fear and harm. We stand united in having a zero tolerance of racism towards our colleagues or the public in whatever form it takes.”

Meanwhile, Community Pharmacy England (CPE) has expressed concerns that protests and violent disorder in various towns and cities across England may impact the ability of community pharmacies to operate.

It has urged pharmacy owners in affected areas to follow guidance from the police or local government and to coordinate with other local businesses.

“If your pharmacy is in an area which is being affected by protests, follow any guidance being provided by the police or local government to protect yourself, staff, patients and premises.

“Liaise with other local businesses or local business representative organisations, who may be sharing information provided by the police or other authorities,” the CPE said.

Local Pharmaceutical Committees (LPCs) may provide advice from the Local Resilience Forum, it noted.

Pharmacies might need to temporarily close if advised by the police. In such cases, contractors are advised to inform the primary care team at their Integrated Care Board (ICB).

A CCA spokesperson said that stand united with others in the sector in condemning all forms of racism.

“Like others, we are shocked and saddened by the events of the past few days."

Emphasising that the safety of pharmacy teams is of utmost importance, the CCA urged  pharmacies to adhere to the guidance provided by local authorities or the police.

"Pharmacy businesses and teams are a shining beacon of diversity. Pharmacy teams tend to live in the very communities they serve and are held in high esteem by the patients and members of public that visit them.

"The safety of pharmacy teams is paramount. Pharmacies in areas affected by protests should follow guidance set out by the police or local government. Where pharmacies need to temporarily close, they are advised to inform their local Integrated Care Board (ICB) and report all instances of criminality to the police," the spokesperson added.

Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England, earlier issued a statement on the situation, expressing gratitude to NHS colleagues involved in the response to the recent attack in Southport.

She also acknowledges the profound impact on the people of Southport and the emotional toll on NHS staff, especially those treating children.

Amanda said: “The suffering of the people of Southport, and others touched by the violence there, is unfathomable.

“And it will inevitably take a toll on those NHS staff involved in the response; I know from my time at Guy’s and St Thomas’ how hard incidents like this can be for those treating victims and supporting families, but I can only imagine how much more affecting it has been for those treating children.

“We will make sure colleagues get any support they need – as we will for the people of Southport.”

Amanda condemned the subsequent riots and violence, including the arson attack on a hotel in Rotherham.

“The deplorable violence, intimidation and thuggery we have seen – and particularly the arson attack on the hotel in Rotherham housing asylum seekers – can and should be lent no justification.

“It is fundamentally wrong, fundamentally un-British, and a source of deep shame,” she said.

Amanda called upon leaders to demonstrate zero tolerance for racism through their actions.

“And to those reading this in positions of leadership, my ask of you is equally simple: in your words, but more importantly in your actions, please ensure you are demonstrating that most British value of community, now more than ever.

“And specifically, show in your actions that when we say we have zero tolerance of racism towards our patients or colleagues, in whatever form it takes, we really mean it – even when it is difficult or uncomfortable,” she added.