Insight Online – November 2021 | The Pharmacists' Defence Association

In this issue:

Covid-19 vaccinations become mandatory for NHS workers
Right to be free from violence and harassment at work
Advice and FAQs for prescribing and non-prescribing pharmacists in primary care
Working as a GP Practice Pharmacist
Enter the PDA Christmas social media competition 2021
ACTNow campaign survey
Latest News
Prioritise your Health & Wellbeing with PDA Plus

Covid-19 vaccinations become mandatory for NHS workers

Health Secretary, Sajid Javid has confirmed that the government is to introduce Covid-19 vaccinations as a condition of employment for all frontline health and social care workers.

Following a recent public consultation, the government announced that health and social care workers, including volunteers who have face-to-face contact with service users, will need to provide evidence they have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to be deployed in the NHS, under new measures.

This enforcement will begin on 1 April 2022, subject to Parliamentary approval.

Right to be free from violence and harassment at work

We are pleased to welcome the news that the UK Work and Pensions Secretary, Thérèse Coffey confirmed that the UK government has ratified the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Violence and Harassment Convention.

ILO Convention No. 190 (or C190 for short) is the first international treaty to recognise the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment.

The Convention was adopted in June 2019 by the ILO and came into force on 25 June 2021.

Advice and FAQs for prescribing and non-prescribing

pharmacists in primary care

We have produced an advice and FAQs document designed as a first port of call for members working in general practice or primary care.

PDA members that have a specific query that is not covered in the document, can contact the team for further advice.

Find out more information and download the advice and FAQs below.

Working as a GP Practice Pharmacist

In our latest member voice article, GP Practice Pharmacist, Shurti Patel shares her career journey and why GP pharmacy is currently one of the fastest-growing pharmacy sectors in the UK.

Shurti also explains how through her role as a PDA Regional Rep she is able to make a difference.

Enter the PDA Christmas social media

competition 2021

We are offering pharmacy students, trainees and working pharmacists in the UK the chance to win a luxury Christmas hamper worth £250!*

To be in with a chance of winning, simply follow us on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram and like and share our competition post. *T&Cs apply.

ACTNow campaign survey

Did you get involved with the Pharmacist Support ACTNow wellbeing campaign? After its initial success and high take-up, Pharmacist Support is now running the post-campaign survey.

To make sure the charity fully understands the needs of pharmacists, they’re asking you to take just 5 minutes to let them know your thoughts about the campaign and how they can further support you and your fellow pharmacists in the future.

The survey deadline is Tuesday 30 November. For more information and to complete the survey, please click here.

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

22/11/2021 – PDA IN THE NEWS: Boots pay talks

22/11/2021 – PDA Scotland strengthens team to enhance support for members

20/11/2021 – PDA delivers first face-to-face training course for Workplace Representatives

19/11/2021 – Boots Newsletter – November 2021

18/11/2021 – NAWP marks National Equal Pay Day 2021

15/11/2021 – PDA hosts free webinar to support members sitting the November assessment

15/11/2021 – PDA responds to apprenticeship consultations for health professionals

12/11/2021 – Irish trade union movement supports tripartite approach to decision making on future of pharmacy

11/11/2021 – Boots pharmacists pay talks at ACAS begin on 18 November

11/11/2021 – PDA launches Safer Pharmacies Charter commitment videos

09/11/2021 – GPhC announces closure date for the provisional register

08/11/2021 – Understanding when to withdraw and when to nullify for the November 2021 assessment

05/11/2021 – Members preparing for the November assessment can still register for the PDA revision programme

04/11/2021 – PDA comment as large employers respond to HMRC investigation into tax status of locums

04/11/2021 – PDA supports members impacted by “pharmacy” closures at Boots

04/11/2021 – Update for PDA members at Sainsbury’s branches after LloydsPharmacy announce plans to temporarily reduce operating hours

04/11/2021 – Celebrating Diwali 2021

02/11/2021 – PDA responds to announcement that Aurelius will acquire McKesson UK

02/11/2021 – More inclusion of LGBT+ education needed in pharmacy schools

Prioritise your Health & Wellbeing with PDA Plus

The end of the year is fast approaching, so it’s a good time to wind down and invest in your wellbeing to help you have that extra energy for the festive season ahead.

To start taking advantage of the content from the Health & Wellbeing Hub, log in to your PDA Plus account today. The Hub offers a wide range of support and advice, as well as a variety of health and wellbeing offers!