GPhC plans new group to improve post-registration practice of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) will launch a new group focusing on improvement of the post-registration practice of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

The announcement follows GPhC and Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) bringing together key stakeholders from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on Thursday (January 27) to discuss establishment of the group.

The GPhC considered recommendations from a short-life working group chaired by Council member Aamer Safdar on the potential leadership and quality assurance role of the GPhC in post-registration education and training for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Nigel Clarke, chair of the GPhC noted that there is a wide range of activity in the post-registration sphere with government and statutory education providers taking steps to make improvement.

However, “currently there is no consistent approach to quality assurance of post-reg education and training” for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

He added: “We heard from stakeholders at the meeting that a formal group would help to make sure there was a joined-up approach to post-registration practice of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, with a clear focus on patient safety.”

“We will also involve patients and the public in the next stages of work to help identify key areas of concern and assurance from their perspective.”

Since pharmacy education and practice are going through a period of positive change, it is crucial to focus on post-registration education and training to ensure public protection and improve standards, said Dr Jim Livingstone, president of the PSNI.