RPS launches new post approval service for consultant pharmacists

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) today launched a new centralised post approval service for NHS consultant pharmacists in England and Wales.

Outlined in the new NHS guidance on consultant pharmacist, the service will ensure consistency of approach and quality assurance for the job.

According to RPS, the service will consider the level of practice expected of the post holder, the proposed impact of the role across the healthcare system, succession planning as well as the arrangements for management, supervision and job planning.

Employers and organisations can submit consultant post approval application through RPS website, which will be reviewed by an expert panel.

RPS is currently recruiting for an expert panel and the deadline for application is January 27.

Keith Ridge, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for England, and Andrew Evans, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for Wales, said: “Consultant pharmacist level expertise is critical to ensuring people get the support they need to maximise the benefits and reduce the risks associated with using increasingly complex medicines.”

“A single, national credentialing process for the NHS in England and Wales will set a uniform standard for consultant pharmacist roles and, importantly, stimulate the development of new consultant pharmacist posts according to population health needs.”

RPS will maintain a public-facing directory of approved consultant pharmacist posts. However, current posts need not be re-approved by the new centralised service.

Gail Fleming, RPS Director for Education and Professional Development said: “We believe that the new process to recognise posts is the gold standard and one that should be considered by other professions. Supporting the implementation of the new guidance is a clear role for the professional leadership body and a big step forward in ensuring that posts are developed strategically and at the appropriate level."