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Insight Online – January 2022

Welcome to the first issue of 2022! In this issue, we discuss the deadline for mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations and the uptake of the Covid-19 booster in young people. We also learn more about PDA Plus partners Morrish Solicitors in our new 'Spotlight On' segment.

Tue 25th January 2022 The PDA

In this issue:

  • Deadline for mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations approaches for health and care roles in England
  • PDA supports the NHS to encourage young people to get their booster
  • Don’t forget to have your say on training and development!
  • FREE mentoring courses exclusive to PDA members!
  • PDA calls on members to complete workforce check survey
  • Boots pharmacists raise concerns about proposed reductions to their contractual hours
  • Latest news
  • Spotlight on
  • Enjoy a range of PDA Plus benefits this year!

Deadline for mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations

approaches for health and care roles in England

NHS guidance for employers in healthcare in England outlines planning and preparation for the implementation of regulations around Vaccination as a Condition of Deployment (VCOD) for healthcare workers.

Although it is estimated that 90% of NHS staff have already been fully vaccinated, health and care providers in England will soon be required to ensure that all those working in areas regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), other than those who are exempt, are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 before the 1 April 2022.

Iterative guidance has been issued to NHS Trusts and Integrated Care Systems (ICS) to inform planning and preparation for the implementation of the new regulations around VCOD for healthcare workers. A letter outlining the process and signposting NHS organisations to resources and information to support conversations with their affected workforce was published on 14 January 2022 along with a frequently asked questions document.

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PDA supports the NHS to encourage
young people to get their booster

Pharmacists have been on the front line during the pandemic working alongside trainee pharmacists and pharmacy students. The pharmacists’ role in the healthcare sector has been key to the success of the vaccination campaign thus far by reassuring hesitant patients and administering first, second and booster vaccines.

A new campaign encourages 18-34 year-olds to get their Covid-19 booster jab, as uptake among young people is lower than other age groups. The booster vaccine was shown to be 88% effective in preventing people from ending up in hospital due to the Omicron variant, two weeks after the dose is administered.

To all PDA students, trainees and qualified pharmacists who fall within this age category, the NHS guidance to all healthcare professionals in patient-facing roles is to “protect their patients, their colleagues, their families and themselves by getting fully vaccinated.”

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Don’t forget to have your say on
training and development!

PDA Education provides free training to our members through the online Education Hub, online live events, courses and workshops and through in-person face-to-face training. In order to identify member needs and enhance the training and support offered to members, PDA Education has launched a Member Learning Needs Survey.We have always wanted to ensure that members are supported in a wide range of ways and the delivery of the education programme to be part of this support was accelerated due to the global pandemic.

In its first year, the education programme has focused on supporting prov-regs, pre-regs (now trainees) and student members through the online Education Hub and has received positive feedback from members who have taken part in these training programmes.

 

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FREE mentoring courses exclusive to PDA members!

Through PDA Education, we have been working to enhance the training and support offered to our members. We are pleased to now launch the first courses available to all members.

Being a mentee – This course will help our members to understand what they can expect as a mentee and how to get the best out of the relationship with their mentor.

Being a mentor – This course will look at the role of the mentor and help our members to assess their mentoring skills. Members will look at mentoring models and how to give constructive feedback.

Learn more and register here

 

PDA calls on members to complete workforce check survey

Pharmacists tell us that there are several reasons why they are choosing not to work in certain roles, or for some employers, and we are calling for information around the causes and extent of this issue to help inform the debate.

The overall state of the UK pharmacist workforce matters to PDA members and is an issue that continues to cause significant debate and discourse around the causes and potential remedies. Make sure to have your say before the survey ends on 28 January 2022! 

Learn more

 

Boots pharmacists raise concerns
about proposed reductions to their contractual hours

Some PDA members employed at Boots are raising concerns that despite verbal assurances that the company aim to minimise pharmacist job losses, they are being told that proposed changes will reduce their income if they remain with the company.

We are supporting members to raise concerns about proposed reductions to their contractual hours because of the company’s decision to reduce the hours that some pharmacies will be open.

Learn more

 

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

24/1/22 – PDA LGBT+ Network responds to government consultation on conversion therapy

23/1/22 – PDA calls on members to help improve diversity data

21/1/22 – PDA responds to the DHSC consultation on the NHS Pension Scheme

20/1/22 – LloydsPharmacy Newsletter – January 2022

18/1/22 – Boots Pharmacists may be impacted by hours reduction

17/1/22 – New PDA Plus partners Morrish Solicitors enhance benefits offered to PDA members

13/1/22 – PDA Reps Network in Lloyds hosts virtual member meetings

6/1/22 – PDA calls on employers and pharmacist organisations to make “New Year Resolution” to support the profession’s charity

6/1/22 – Boots pharmacists need to join the union

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New PDA Plus partners Morrish Solicitors
enhance benefits offered to PDA members

Welcome to our new segment where each month you learn more about our PDA Plus partners and the exclusive offers and services available to members.

Morrish Solicitors are trade union specialist solicitors with decades of experience assisting trade unions and their members. They offer a range of services, including family law & divorce, property & conveyancing, wills, probate & estates, medical negligence, personal injury, and dispute resolution.

Make the most of your PDA membership with expert legal services:

  • 15% off a variety of legal services
  • Free personal injury service*
  • Medical negligence service available on preferential terms
  • Simple wills for £127.50 + VAT or simple mirror wills for £212.50 + VAT

Whatever your query, Morrish Solicitors will be able to provide you with clear, impartial, and friendly advice at competitive rates.

Find out more about how Morrish Solicitors can help you by visiting their website or calling them on 033 3344 9600.

*If you have been injured in an accident at work, please contact the PDA directly.

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Enjoy a range of PDA Plus benefits this year!

Start your year as you mean to go on by taking advantage of your exclusive PDA Plus offers and discounts that save you money on your everyday spending.

With winter in full swing, some may be looking to book their perfect winter getaway. With PDA Plus you can save 5% on package holidays which includes exclusive deals on hotels, flights, and days out. You can go skiing or settle down in a cozy winter cabin, the choice is yours and with PDA Plus you can find the best deal for you!

LOG IN TO YOUR PDA PLUS ACCOUNT TODAY

 

 

 

 

The Pharmacists' Defence Association is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England; Company No 4746656.

The Pharmacists' Defence Association is an appointed representative in respect of insurance mediation activities only of
The Pharmacy Insurance Agency Limited which is registered in England and Wales under company number 2591975
and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Register No 307063)

The PDA Union is recognised by the Certification Officer as an independent trade union.

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