Working in a pharmacy as a dispensing assistant or medicines counter assistant is a useful way to gain practical experience.
But before you gain this experience, you need to know who will regulate, help and support you.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is the regulator for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy premises. It maintains the official registers for all three and performs regular inspections. Its aim is to uphold standards and public trust in pharmacy. Registration with the GPhC is compulsory to practice as a pharmacist. It also provides the process for EEA/EU pharmacists to register and work as a pharmacist in the UK.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is the professional membership body for pharmacists and pharmacy in Great Britain. They aim to advance the profession of pharmacy for public and patient benefit to secure the future of the profession and its members. Membership is voluntary. However, the RPS provides a wealth of information and support for pharmacists, so membership is recommended. Membership gives access to the Pharmaceutical Journal and the Medicine, Ethics and Practice (MEP) Guide. The MEP supports day-to-day practice and is an excellent publication.
NHS England have responsibility for controlling and monitoring the provision NHS services in pharmacy. Working in a contracted NHS pharmacy adds an extra layer of regulations and processes to follow.
EEA/EU pharmacists have also highlighted the need to understand the Drug Tariff, British National Formulary (BNF), Controlled Drug Regulations and Data Protection.
Written by Michael Spruzs