PSNI launches consultation on pharmacy staffing levels within registered premises

The Council of Pharmaceutical Society NI (PSNI) has introduced an 8-week public consultation on proposed Guidance on Pharmacy Staffing Levels within registered premises.

The principle-based Guidance seeks to assist Pharmacy Owners and Superintendents to ensure that each pharmacy has enough appropriately skilled and qualified staff to provide safe and effective pharmacy services to the public. All registered pharmacies will have to meet the standards set out in the Premises Standards, when commenced.

PSNI said: "The proposed Guidance should also help ensure a working environment that will facilitate pharmacists to meet their professional obligations under the Professional Standards of Conduct, Ethics and Performance for Pharmacists in Northern Ireland (2016)."

"Whilst other health regulators have primary responsibility for systems regulation outside of regulated premises, we consider that the principles outlined in this Guidance, will be helpful for managers working with pharmacy teams in different settings."

The proposed Guidance should be of interest to the public and patient representative bodies in Northern Ireland as it outlines what they may expect in relation to the staffing levels in pharmacies. It must also be of interest to Pharmacy Owners, Superintendents, pharmacists, and unregistered pharmacy staff.

All responses to the consultation will be considered by the PSNI and will assist it in finalising the Guidance for publication in this important area.

We encourage all interested parties to respond by 09 December 2022.

A copy of the Consultation documents can be found here.