In this issue:

IWMD: Reminding everyone why safety at work is so important
PDA urges pharmacists to stay safe and take adequate rest breaks
Appeals process for those that sat the registration assessment in March 2021
Introducing the new PDA Regional Committee
BAME Network Committee champions equality and diversity at recent Covid-19 vaccine event
Join the PDA: we are currently recruiting
Latest News
Great savings with PDA Plus

IWMD: Reminding everyone why safety at work is so important

The PDA is encouraging members to take part in an International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD) activity that will help remind everyone why safety at work is so important. IWMD takes place on 28 April and is a global tribute to those who died at work.IWMD also highlights the need for improved health and safety in workplaces, something the PDA has been campaigning about with ongoing initiatives such as the Safer Pharmacies Charter and the Violence in Pharmacy campaign.

Every year on 28 April, all around the world trade unions unite to mark IWMD. The theme this year is ‘Health and Safety is a fundamental workers’ right‘.

Proper rest breaks are an important element of maintaining a safe environment for patients and helps to protect the health and wellbeing of workers.

Pharmacists predominantly work in safety-critical roles where the consequences of being tired or distracted through the lack of an uninterrupted rest break can have serious consequences if an error is made as a result.

The law establishes minimum requirements for rest breaks and sets limits on the working hours of employees and workers.

Appeals process for those that sat the registration assessment in March 2021

Candidates who sat the March 2021 assessment, who feel that they have grounds to appeal on receipt of their results are urged to make sure that they gather all the information and facts needed before taking action. The GPhC regulations for the registration assessment can be found here and are very clear about the grounds for appeal.An appeal will only be considered if:

New information or circumstances have come to light since you sat the assessment that you were not aware of at the time you sat the assessment.
A registration assessment procedure was not correctly applied by the GPhC which would have affected your performance on the day

An appeal will not be considered:

If you were aware of your condition or circumstances at the time and could have requested a nullification.

Introducing the new PDA Regional Committee

The PDA Regional Committee is made up of elected members that are pharmacists from different sectors of the profession who collectively and individually have responsibility for recruiting, engaging and representing members in their region. The PDA recently announced the Regional Committee election results. The new committee officially starts their term today (1 April) and the PDA is excited to welcome them into their newly elected roles.

BAME Network Committee champions equality and diversity at recent Covid-19 vaccine event

Earlier this month, the PDA’s newly elected BAME Committee held their first network event which explored Covid-19 vaccines, practice, myths and overcoming vaccine hesitancy.

Most importantly, delegates discussed how pharmacists in their unique position of trust within their communities can work together to overcome vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccine uptake, especially in BAME communities.

PDA is seeking a new Policy Officer

The PDA is pleased to announce that it is seeking an additional Policy Officer to join the existing policy team in providing advice, analysis and guidance to a variety of audiences including members, colleagues and external stakeholders.

PDA is seeking an Organiser (North)

The PDA is delighted to announce that it is seeking an Organiser to cover the North of the UK to join the union’s Organising & Engagement Department. The PDA continues to invest in the growth, organisation and engagement of members and reps from undergraduate study, into work and throughout their careers.

Below is a summary of some of the other key news stories that have been published on the PDA website recently:

22/04/21 – Student e-newsletter – April 2021

20/04/21 – STUC welcomes the PDA Union to the Scottish trade union family

19/04/21 – Why is the true value of pharmacy not recognised?

18/04/21 – PDA call on employers to support exam candidates once results are announced

17/04/21 – LGBT+ Pharmacists’ Network Newsletter – April 2021

16/04/21 – Covid-19 vaccination session rates in Scotland are indicative of a wider problem for pharmacists

16/04/21 – Northern Irish trade union movement supports pharmacist campaigns

15/04/21 – Pharmacist Support celebrates 180th anniversary

13/04/21 – LGBT+ Network invites nominations for upcoming elections

12/04/21 – PDA responds to the PSA’s proposed changes to regulator performance reviews

08/04/21 – Regulation 28 report to prevent future deaths – remote prescribing

07/04/21 – PDA supports the #Pharmacy24 social media campaign

07/04/21 – PDA responds to the Care Quality Commission’s proposed new strategy

01/04/21 – PDA hosts student members webinar

Great savings with PDA Plus

Don’t forget, being a PDA member gives you unlimited access to the many PDA Plus discounts on offer when and wherever you need them. Whether it’s your weekly grocery shop, treating yourself to a new phone or renewing your car insurance, PDA Plus has a deal that could save you money.

So what are you waiting for? Log in to your PDA Plus account today and start saving money.