SCOTLAND SET FOR
W
SUPERVISION CHANGES
Scotland’s pharmacy sector is on the cusp of major reform, as new UK-wide legislation prepares to modernise how supervision works.
ith support from regulators and professional bodies, the changes aim to free up pharmacists for more
clinical care - while empowering pharmacy technicians to safely take on enhanced responsibilities in a structured, accountable way.
The goal is clear. Give pharmacists more time to focus on clinical services, while pharmacy technicians take on more responsibility within a well-governed system.
What’s proposed for change in Scotland? After a public consultation by the Department of Health and Social Care, the UK Government will introduce legislation that supports: • Delegation of routine tasks Pharmacists will be able to authorise pharmacy technicians to carry out and supervise parts of the dispensing process, including handing out pre-checked and bagged medicines. The pharmacist remains accountable but does not need to be directly involved in every step.
• Hospital aseptic services Pharmacy technicians will be empowered to take the lead in preparing sterile medicines in hospital settings. This will support faster services and better team workflow.
• Defined leadership roles The roles of Responsible Pharmacists and Superintendent Pharmacists will be clearly outlined in legislation. The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) will then develop new professional standards for both positions.
GPhC sets direction The GPhC has welcomed the legislation and confirmed it will draft new rules to support governance and supervision. They are working closely with professionals across the UK to ensure the standards are safe, practical and future focused.
Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive of the General Pharmaceutical Council, said, “These reforms will maximise the use of the skills of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, and make sure all members of the pharmacy team are empowered to contribute fully to patient care.
“We will be working closely with the DHSC, the devolved governments, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, the Association of Pharmacy Technicians
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