responsible pharmacist + the pharmacy record

Question 1

GPhC Responsible Pharmacist Guidance -

(note: GPhC is currently reviewing this document)

• when was this established

Answer 1

1st October 2009

Question 2

GPhC Responsible Pharmacist Guidance - in what countries

Answer 2

UK and NI

Question 3

what is in the guidance

Answer 3

• RPSGB replaced the concept of personal control of a registered Pharmacy
• Now will be “Responsible Pharmacist”
• Every registered Pharmacy premise MUST have one

Question 4

In order to lawfully conduct a retail pharmacy business must have a

Answer 4

RP in charge

Question 5

what does the RP have to be

Answer 5

a registered pharmacist

Question 6

do u have what it takes to be one

Answer 6

• Only take on if you have the competence: understand the scope of your role
• Also – must determine that all activities can run safely and effectively before start operating as a Pharmacy

Question 7

RP role key points: what do they have to do

Answer 7

1. display a notice that meets the legal reqs
2. complete a pharmacy record that meets the legal reqs
3. establish/maintain/review the pharmacy procedures
4. if there is more than one pharmacist u have to check with the employer who is the responsible one

Question 8

can u be the RP for multiple pharmacies

Answer 8

no u cannot for more than one premise at the time

Question 9

what does it mean to display a notice that meets the legal requirements

Answer 9

this must have who the pharmacists and what their registration number is

Question 10

how often should the responsible pharmacist review the pharmacy procedures

Answer 10

at least once every 2 years

• The Responsible Pharmacist must establish (if not already established) maintain and review pharmacy procedures

Question 11

pharmacy record: a legal document

• who is responsible for completing the record:

Answer 11

The Responsible Pharmacist must complete a pharmacy record that meets the legal requirements

Question 12

what does it have to have on the pharmacy record (either electronically/manually or both)

Answer 12

• name
• reg number
• date and time u start and stop being the rp

if ur absent
- date, and times u were absent

Question 13

what is the pharmacy record

Answer 13

a contemporaneous and accurate reflection of who has been the RP at any given time

Question 14

how often is the pharmacy record completed

Answer 14

daily or covering a sustained period

Question 15

how long must the record be kept by the pharmacy owner/superintendent pharmacist

Answer 15

a period of 5 years

• and any amendments made must identify when and who made the changes

Question 16

what happens if you fail to keep or complete the record

Answer 16

criminal offense

Question 17

where must it be available

Answer 17

available at the related pharmacy: if electronic, must have a backup system

Question 18

what is the max absence from the pharmacy

Answer 18

2 hours between midday and midnight when pharmacy is operational

Question 19

can two consecutive RP’s be absent?

Answer 19

if one RP has been absent for two hours, a second RP cannot be absent in that 24-hour cycle

Question 20

While absent you must:

Answer 20

Remain contactable
* Be able to return with reasonable promptness if required

Question 21

If you will not be contactable arrange for what?

Answer 21

for another pharmacist to be available and contactable

Question 22

• Not all hospitals have a “ registered pharmacy” (Not referring to inpatient/ outpatient pharmacies)
• May have one if they want to:

Answer 22

– Sell P medicines

– Dispense prescriptions not from the hospital → If so – same rules apply as in community pharmacy

Question 23

raising concerns: why is it best to address things earlier

Answer 23

if problems addressed early things can be improved and correct action taken as soon as possible. Also may prevent direct harm to a patient or public

Question 24

raising concerns: key act (whistleblowing law)

Answer 24

Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998

Question 25

what is whistleblowing

Answer 25

to protect patients, public, colleagues: Reports to someone in authority alleged dishonesty or illegal practices Witnessed wrongdoing or malpractice that has happened or reasonably believe will happen

Question 26

what does the public interest disclosure act 1998

Answer 26

protects employees from negative treatment or dismissal for raising concerns about wrongdoing in their workplace

Question 27

What is the purpose of the needle exchange service in pharmacies?

Answer 27

To provide sterile injecting equipment, safely dispose of used needles, reduce the spread of blood-borne viruses, and engage users with healthcare and support services.

Question 28

What are the main benefits (pros) of the needle exchange service

Answer 28

prevents disease transmission (HIV, Hep B/C), promotes public safety, offers low-cost harm reduction, reduces stigma, and creates an opportunity to connect users with support services.

Question 29

What are the challenges (cons) of the needle exchange service?

Answer 29

Community resistance, stigma, limited access/hours, doesn't stop drug use, and possible misuse or overuse of the service.

Question 30

When and where was the needle exchange service first introduced?

Answer 30

It was introduced in 1986 in Liverpool and London, UK, in response to rising concerns over HIV among injecting drug users.

Question 31

Who introduced the needle exchange service in the UK and why?

Answer 31

The UK Department of Health launched it as part of a national harm reduction strategy to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS among people who inject drugs.

Question 32

How does the needle exchange service support heroin and other injecting drug users?

Answer 32

It helps reduce harm by providing sterile equipment, lowers the risk of infections from shared needles, offers a non-judgmental contact point with healthcare, and can lead to referrals for drug treatment, rehab, and social support.

Question 33

What is the relevance of the needle exchange service to the NHS?

Answer 33

It reduces the NHS burden by preventing costly-to-treat infections like HIV and Hepatitis C, supports public health goals, improves access to healthcare for vulnerable groups, and aligns with the NHS’s harm reduction and health promotion strategies.