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Insight Online – June 2024

This month, learn about our manifesto for the pharmacy profession in the run-up to the general election and how we are helping members following changes to their pension scheme. Plus, find out more about our upcoming member-exclusive events!

Tue 25th June 2024 The PDA

In this issue:
  • PDA launches election 2024 manifesto
  • International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) supports Safer Pharmacies Charter
  • PDA continues to assist members following changes to the Boots Pension Scheme
  • PDA challenges RPS on its ‘open display of P medicines’ policy review
  • My journey and transition into academia
  • Latest data on GPhC pharmacy premises inspections
  • Latest news
  • PDA events
  • Enjoy a range of PDA Plus benefits!

PDA launches election 2024 manifesto
 

With the general election fast approaching, we have launched a manifesto with key asks of the next government to improve access to safe and effective NHS care for patients and support for the vital pharmacist workforce.

In an era where healthcare is increasingly complex and multifaceted, with rising demands on systems and ongoing developments in professional practice, the role of the pharmacist has never been more critical. Our manifesto is a call to action for the next cohort of MPs to embrace pharmacists’ unique position within the healthcare system.

It sets out specific asks which emphasise the need for a sustainable NHS, investment in the workforce, integration across the system and effective governance. Through support for these principles, there is an opportunity for you to advocate for patients and contribute to the important debate around the health and well-being of our communities.

LEARN MORE

International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) supports Safer Pharmacies Charter

FIP has become the latest organisation to support our Safer Pharmacies Charter. The Charter consists of seven commitments to improve safety and care for patients, through better working conditions in UK pharmacy practice.

The announcement comes shortly after we urged all UK pharmacists to take part in the 2024 Safer Pharmacies Survey. The survey will help us gain a better understanding of the current working environment for pharmacists and could help to improve the wellbeing of those in the profession.

You have until Sunday 30 June to complete the 2024 Safer Pharmacies Survey. The survey is open to employed and locum pharmacists wherever they work.

LEARN MORE

PDA continues to assist members following
changes to the Boots Pension Scheme

We are continuing to assist members who are unhappy with changes to the Boots Pension Scheme. These changes were introduced as a consequence of the decision to transfer responsibility for paying benefits to Legal and General under a buy-in arrangement announced last year.

Specifically, our members are contesting the decision to describe the payment of an unreduced pension from age 60 as discretionary and therefore remove this benefit prior to the transfer to Legal and General.

You should note this only applies to the Boots Pension Scheme and the closed final salary scheme. No other Boots schemes are impacted by this.

LEARN MORE

PDA challenges RPS on its ‘open display of P medicines’ policy review

We have raised concerns that the RPS has convened a meeting to contemplate a change in policy to allow self-selection of P medicines in the future.

Learn more

My journey and transition into academia

In our latest member voice article Shurti Patel Aina, a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, clinical pharmacist, and PDA South East Regional Committee member discusses her transition to academia and how she balances her roles.

Learn more

Latest data on GPhC pharmacy premises inspections

We have produced a report covering the latest data of the GPhC pharmacy premises inspections, which discusses how pharmacies have repeatedly failed to meet inspections.

Learn more

Below is a list of the other key news stories that have been published on our website this month:

24/6/2024 – PDA requests meeting with GP Federations NI following members’ unhappiness with pay award proposal

21/6/2024 – ASDA pharmacists encouraged to contact PDA Member Support Centre with any concerns over changes

19/6/2024 – PDA calls on employers to make reasonable adjustments

18/6/2024 – An award-winning students contribution to pharmacy

14/6/2024 – PDA update on the NPA’s ‘Day of Action’ campaign

17/6/2024 – PDA NAWP Network invites nominations for upcoming elections

13/6/2024 – Withdrawal and Nullification for the June 2024 assessment

12/6/2024 – Your rights under the Equality Act 2010

9/6/2024 – PDA members in Scotland discuss important workplace issues

7/6/2024 – PDA responds to NPA proposals for a “Day of action”

7/6/2024 – PDA Reps in Boots host ‘how to request an in-year pay increase’ event

6/6/2024 – LGBT+ Pharmacists’ Network Newsletter – June 2024

5/6/2024 – It’s Time to Address Discrimination: Standing up for Sitting Down

LEARN MORE
As an added PDA member benefit, we host a number of informative and engaging events for you throughout the year to support you on your career journey. Below are some of our free, member-exclusive events.

Find out about the PDA manifesto for pharmacists and how to get involved

Wednesday 26 June, 7 pm – 8 pm

With the general election nearing, we are inviting members to a free online event to discuss our manifesto and how it can raise awareness of key issues within pharmacy.

Learn more

How to thrive in your trainee year

Tuesday 2 July, 7.30 pm – 8.30 pm

We are hosting this free member-exclusive event to support fourth-year pharmacy students who will soon be starting their trainee year.

Learn more

What could be better in LloydsPharmacy HCS?

Wednesday 3 July, 7.45 pm – 8.30 pm

Members working in LloydsPharmacy Healthcare Services are invited to this online meeting where they can raise any issues or frustrations that they experience at work so we can anonymously share this with management from LP HCS.

Learn more

LEARN MORE

Win tickets to Chessington World
of Adventures with PDA Plus!

Calling all PDA members! You could win four tickets to Chessington World of Adventures Resort.

As part of your membership package, you can take advantage of exclusive PDA Plus offers, discounts, and this month, a competition! To win you and your friends or family members entry to the famous adventure resort, just log into your PDA Plus account, enter ‘Chessington prize draw‘ into the search and enter the prize draw! But be quick: the prize draw closes at midnight on Sunday 30 June 2024.

Good luck!

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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