SEE PAGE 3
2013 Floor plan & exhibitor list
What the GPhC says on self-selection
SEE PAGES 6 & 7
R TE IS G OW RE N
Pharmacists’ role in patient safety
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SEE PAGE 8
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www.thepharmacyshow.co.uk
@pharmacyshow
August 2013
SELF SELECTION OF P MEDS
Assertions from the pharmacy regulator that the self-selection of P medicines should be progressed have been opposed by a new petition from pharmacy employee representatives. As July drew to a close, pharmacy regulator General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) repeated its commitment to modernise pharmacy through the self-selection of P medicines. It has reasserted its rationale in that a change in P medicines sales protocols can be supported by pharmacy processes that ensure patients receive the appropriate sales advice. However, in response to the regulator’s proposals, the Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) has launched a petition seeking withdrawal of the proposals. It has promised that this is “just the start of [a] full campaign to seek a change in the current GPhC policy” which will be stepped up this year and beyond.
Progressing P medicine As the proposed new protocols will not be obligatory, it is, perhaps, also true to say that the GPhC is demonstrating trust in its registered pharmacy professionals; that as responsible, accountable professionals, they will act according to the recognised limits to their competence. Given that pharmacy thinks of itself as a profession that can support patients with medicines optimisation and, as Pharmacy Voice has recently suggested , take a lead in the care of patients taking high risk medicines, the GPhC’s thinking on this matter is all very reasonable – is it not? Well, no, it isn’t, say the critics of the GPhC’s proposals, which include the PDA and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), which is expected to comment on the GPhC’s missive in the near future. From the outset, the PDA has been among those to oppose the GPhC on this matter, including making its opinions known during a Keynote theatre question time at Supported by
last year’s Pharmacy Show, when the GPhC’s chief executive and registrar Duncan Rudkin presented on the subject. Explaining its opposition to the GPhC’s proposals, the PDA believes the current P medicine sales promote interventions that protect patient safety. “Should [they] be removed [this will] make the pharmacists’ role of ensuring that the public get the right P medicines significantly more difficult to deliver.”
EUCERIN, new at this year’s Pharmacy Show For more than 100 years Eucerin has been pioneering dermatological skin science and innovation. Eucerin is one of the leading and most trustworthy dermatological skin care brands recommended by dermatologists and pharmacists globally. At this stage, we are the fastest growing dermo brand in the UK. Eucerin’s expertise is exclusive to high end pharmacies where we offer customized solutions by leveraging professional communication and training for the dermo category. Your trained pharmacy staff, with the support of our Professional Skincare Advisors, build a successful business partnership ensuring an increased turnover of your self-service area. Eucerin knows that our skin reflects and affects how we feel inside. That’s why at Eucerin we’ve dedicated all of our passion and expertise to your skin. We make no compromise in researching, developing and testing our products. Our Research & Development departments not only do in-vivo testing but enhance the achieved results with in-vitro testing as well, resulting in efficacy led products. We are committed to providing solutions that work for all your skin’s requirements. Eucerin offers a wide assortment to meet all skin requirements ranging from dry body care to face care products, e.g. blemished prone skin, ageing and hyperpigmentation. We are looking forward to your visit to the Eucerin stand to explore opportunities for your pharmacy
Duncan Rudkin
Among its specific concerns, the PDA highlights the potential for: • Greater tension between commercial and patient safety considerations in community pharmacy • Increased amount of medicines in circulation • Public confusion • Harming POM-P de-regulation processes. The employee representative says: “The profession is now faced with the prospect of a new regulator that lacks expertise in pharmacy, proposing a fundamental change in practice despite formal protestations and warnings about patient safety. Additionally it denies the public and practitioners those that these changes will affect - a consultation on this matter. These behaviours are a cause of great concern, they do not represent transparent modern regulation and these are questions that the regulator must answer.” Continued on page 4
Are we selling our souls Over The Counter? Blog by @SparkleWildfire There’s something beautifully logical and satisfying about a good Over The Counter consultation. I know what you’re thinking, and yes, I should get out more. But it is true. The way I think of it is in a stepwise approach, using a systematic series of questions to eliminate products leaving you with a limited number of options to recommend. I suspect the way a patient views it may vary somewhat from “hey! I’m really being listened to!” to “oh for goodness sake shut up, I’m going to be late for the bus.” Continued on page 2