Invest in pharmacy workforce: RPS Wales urges Senedd members

Members of the Senedd (MSs) were briefed on the increasing pressures facing pharmacy teams and the urgent need for action to support their health and wellbeing at an event hosted by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Wales.

The event, held on Wednesday, brought together MSs, including first minister Eluned Morgan, to discuss the findings of RPS’ latest Workforce Wellbeing Survey.

The Wales-specific results highlighted that 88% of pharmacy team members are at high risk of burnout, driven by key factors such as inadequate staffing (73%), lack of work-life balance (46%), financial pressures (45%), and insufficient protected learning time (49%).

Medicine shortages are also significantly affecting mental health, with 60% of respondents reporting a negative impact on their wellbeing.

Additionally, the report identified workplace abuse as a serious concern, as 52% of respondents reported experiencing verbal abuse from the public.

In response, RPS Wales highlighted to MSs the urgent need for action, particularly in three key areas:

• Investment in the pharmacy workforce, focusing on recruitment and retention.
• Mandatory protected learning time, ensuring all pharmacy team members have dedicated time for professional development within their job plans.
• Stronger public messaging to tackle verbal abuse by raising awareness of the evolving clinical role and pressures facing pharmacy teams.

RPS Wales Director, Elen Jones, said: “At a time when pharmacy teams are being asked to deliver transformational change through increased prescribing and clinical services, the survey underscores the urgent need for better support systems to enable professional development, combat burnout, and promote wellbeing.”

She welcomed the recognition from MSs of the vital role pharmacy teams play in healthcare and their understanding of the need for greater support.

“Building on these discussions, RPS will continue to engage with all political parties -particularly as they shape their priorities ahead of the upcoming Senedd election - to ensure the needs of pharmacy teams in Wales are met, ultimately leading to improved patient care,” she added.