Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

RPS launches largest edition of Medicines, Ethics and Practice

RPS launches largest edition of Medicines, Ethics and Practice

The MEP now incorporates guidance from the new RPS Patient Safety Professional standards

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has launched its latest edition of Medicines, Ethics and Practice (MEP), marking it as the largest ever at 258 pages—reflecting a substantial 30 per cent increase in content from the previous edition.

Key updates in this year’s edition include expanded prescribing content, new patient safety standards, a joint position statement by RPS and RCN, and updated information on Valproate Pregnancy Prevention Programme (PPP).


Rakhee Amin, MEP Editor, said: “The MEP continues to support our members and the wider pharmacy profession. The additions of prescribing and patient safety reflect our ongoing commitment to high standards of professional practice.

“We thank everyone who helped build this edition of the MEP, and those who provided expert advice and information during its preparation.”

The MEP now includes detailed signposting to RPS resources and the full text of RPS competency frameworks and guidance, such as the Competency Framework for All Prescribers, the Competency Framework for Designated Prescribing Practitioners, and the Professional Guidance on Expanding Prescribing Scope of Practice.

The latest edition also incorporates guidance from the new RPS Patient Safety Professional standards, designed to support pharmacists in reporting adverse effects and handling dispensing errors more effectively.

These standards have been developed by the RPS, Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK and Pharmacy Forum NI, with the support of an expert steering group and public consultation.

In collaboration with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), the RPS has added updated information and guidance on the safe practice of prescribing, dispensing, supply, and administration by the same individual.

Additionally, the 47 edition includes updated information on the valproate pregnancy prevention programme, incorporating new legislation and the most recent MHRA guidance on full pack dispensing of valproate-containing medicines.

All Foundation Trainee Members of the RPS will receive a copy of the new MEP free of charge as part of their membership. Copies are available for £52.50 for members and £70 for non-members.

Additionally, all currently practising GB-based pharmacists (excluding Student, Retired, or International Members) can request a free physical copy by completing a quick 4-question form available in the Printed Materials Opt-In section on www.rpharms.com/myRPS.

All RPS members, regardless of their membership type, can access the digital MEP.

More For You

Walgreens Boots Alliance acquired by Sycamore in deal

Walgreens Boots Alliancehas entered into “a definitive agreement” to be acquired by Sycamore Partners

Gettyimages

Walgreens Boots Alliance acquired by Sycamore in £18.3 billion deal

Walgreens Boots Alliance(WBA) has entered into “a definitive agreement” to be acquired by Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm specializing in retail, consumer and distribution-related investments.

“The total value of the transaction represents up to $23.7 billion (£18.3 billion),” the company announced late last night (6).

Keep ReadingShow less
Professor Sir Stephen Powis at a press briefing

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, was appointed national medical director of NHS England in 2018

NHS

NHS England’s top doctor to step down following Amanda Pritchard’s resignation

Just a week after NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard announced her resignation, the organisation’s national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, has confirmed he will step down this summer after more than seven years in the role.

In a statement released on Thursday, Professor Powis revealed that he had informed Pritchard of his intention to leave in a letter back in January.

Keep ReadingShow less
PDA calls on GP practices to use funding boost to improve job security for pharmacists

Now, it is time to focus on the community pharmacy contract

gettyimages

PDA urges GP practices to ensure funding boost supports employed pharmacists

The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has called on GP practicesto ensure that all healthcare professionals they employ, including pharmacists, benefit from the 7.2% funding boost they received under a newly agreed contract.

GP employers are encouraged to improve “job security, pay and conditions” for employees with this increased funding.

Keep ReadingShow less
Fourth Shift: Investment in Innovative Medicines Crucial for NHS 10-Year Plan Success

Medicines should be viewed as an investment rather than a cost

gettyimages

ABPI wants to see a ‘fourth shift’ in NHS 10-Year Health Plan


The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has called on the government to increase investment in innovative medicines and vaccines, describing it as a crucial “fourth shift” necessary to ensure the NHS is fit for the future.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lawrence Tallon named new MHRA chief executive

Lawrence Tallon

Photo credit: Sciana Network

Lawrence Tallon named new MHRA chief executive

Lawrence Tallon has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), effective 1 April 2025.

He will succeed Dame June Raine DBE, who is retiring after leading the agency since 2019.

Keep ReadingShow less