PSNI NEWS
New Code of Conduct & Ethics for Pharmacy
The Pharmaceutical Society NI has launched its new Code (Professional standards of conduct, ethics and performance for pharmacists in Northern Ireland).
P
resident Dr Jim Livingstone said, “The new Code seeks to modernise the principles to be
followed by pharmacists in practise. We know that in reality, the principles set out in this document are followed day and daily by the vast majority of pharmacists in NI, and they recognise the importance and value to both patients and the profession.”
The new code has seen the reduction of key principles from 8 in the 2009 Code to five in the current code.
The five principles in the new code are:
PRINCIPLE 1: ALWAYS PUT THE PATIENT FIRST
PRINCIPLE 2: PROVIDE A SAFE AND QUALITY SERVICE
PRINCIPLE 3: ACT WITH PROFESSIONALISM AND INTEGRITY AT ALL TIMES
PRINCIPLE 4: COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY AND WORK PROPERLY WITH COLLEAGUES
PRINCIPLE 5: MAINTAIN AND DEVELOP YOUR KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCE
Referring to this change the President commented, “The reduction in the number of principles from 8 to 5 helps to make the code more succinct and has enabled the organisation to modernise and update both the language and the content. Below each principle is a series of standards and these give fuller expression to the standards and behaviours expected of pharmacist.”
The Registrar Mr Brendan Kerr during his launch presentation made the point that over the past five years, since the last review of the Code, many issues such as whistle-blowing, the duty of candour and issues relating to the use of social media have all moved on.
“This Code moves us on five years, and undoubtedly in another five years we will need to revise this Code, but
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Dr Mark Timoney, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Mrs Sinead Burns, Vice President and Dr Jim Livingstone, President, PSNI
what hasn’t changed and won’t change is the centrality of the first principle –‘Always put the patient first’ and as a pharmacist I know how central this is to all we do.”
The key note speaker at the launch was Dr Mark Timoney, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer. In his address Dr Timoney congratulated and complimented the Pharmaceutical Society NI on its new Code and reiterated the key role pharmacy currently plays in the delivery of our healthcare service and empathised how the role of the pharmacist will continue to grow.
Below we highlight the main two principles contained within the code. you can view all the principles at
www.psni.org.uk
PRINCIPLE ONE: ALWAYS PUT THE PATIENT FIRST The care of the patient must come before all other considerations. Always work with patients and service users to achieve their healthcare goals as well as taking
account, in a holistic way, of their non-medical needs. At all times, exercise professional judgment and do so in a way that gives priority to the patient or service user’s best interests.
Even if not in direct contact with patients, your decisions and behaviour can still affect their care and safety. Take responsibility for all acts or omissions and be professionally accountable for the decisions that you make.
Any concern about patient safety must be raised in an appropriate manner. Should something go wrong with treatment or care, patients and service users must feel supported and protected and be offered guidance in seeking an appropriate remedy.
YOU MUST: 1.1.1 Always consider, and act in, the best interests of the patient or service user.
1.1.2 Act always with integrity and respect towards patients or service users.
1.1.3 Respect diversity in the cultural differences, beliefs and value-systems of others and always act with sensitivity and understanding.
1.1.4 Not act in a way that unfairly discriminates against any person.
1.1.5 If, for any reason, you are unable to provide a professional service, you have a professional responsibility to take reasonable steps to refer the patient or service user to an appropriate alternative provider for the service they require.
Standard 1.2: Uphold the duty of candour and raise concerns appropriately
1.2.1 Contribute to and foster a culture of openness, honesty and learning.
1.2.2 Ensure that an effective complaints procedure is readily available for the patient or service user and follow that procedure at all times.
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