FIP supports PDA's Safer Pharmacies Charter

PDA urges all UK pharmacists to take part in the 2024 Safer Pharmacies Survey

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has announced its support for the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA)'s Safer Pharmacies Charter, which aims to improve safety and care for patients, through better working conditions in UK pharmacy practice.

The Charter establishes basic standards to ensure safe practices across all pharmacy settings. It outlines seven commitments that, according to the PDA, “must be standard practice whenever and wherever pharmacy work is carried out.”

Dr Catherine Duggan, FIP CEO, said: “We are pleased to support the PDA’s Safer Pharmacies Charter which defines basic standards to ensure safe practice wherever pharmacists work.

“The overall objectives of the Charter align with FIP’s development goals and overall mission.”

FIP, the global body representing pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, plans to distribute the Charter among its members and share it with its Community Pharmacy Section for information purposes.

PDA, which joined FIP in 2022, continues to work closely with the organisation to represent the voice of UK pharmacists at a global level.

The Safer Pharmacies Charter is part of the PDA’s long-running campaign to improve patient safety and the working conditions of pharmacists.

PDA Director of Policy and Communications, Alison Jones initially introduced the Charter at the FIP Congress in Brisbane in 2023.

Several organisations, including the British Pharmaceutical Students' Association (BPSA), Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW), and Health Campaigns Together, have shown support for the Charter.

The PDA is urging pharmacists, professional bodies, healthcare organisations, and pharmacy leaders to support the campaign.

The announcement from the FIP follows the PDA's call for all UK pharmacists to participate in the 2024 Safer Pharmacies Survey, inviting them to share their experience of safety in the workplace.

The PDA seeks to gather insights into the current working conditions for pharmacists through this survey, aiming to enhance their overall wellbeing. The survey will remain open until Sunday, 30 June.