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

GPs to play crucial role in transforming Wales’ health service

Jeremy Miles

(Photo credit: www.gov.wales )

Strengthening GPs’ role key to transforming healthcare - Jeremy Miles

Welsh health secretary Jeremy Miles has recognised the need to transform health services and bring healthcare closer to home.

Speaking at the recent Welsh Local Medical Committees Conference, he emphasised that strengthening the role of GPs would be crucial in improving patient healthcare and tackling NHS waiting lists.

Keep ReadingShow less
NPA and IPA urge NHS England to release pharmacy economic analysis immediately

Pharmacy bodies call for transparency on the funding gap amid ongoing contract negotiations.

Getty Images

Pharmacy bodies demand immediate release of economic analysis

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) and the Independent Pharmacies Association (IPA) have jointly written to NHS England, demanding the immediate release of the independent economic analysis of pharmacy finances commissioned last autumn.

An open letter, signed by the owners of 3,034 pharmacies in England, calls for transparency on the funding gap amid ongoing contract negotiations.

Keep ReadingShow less
Discrimination: Asian and Black patients report lack of trust in primary care providers

Ethnic minority groups had worse experiences in their communication with their GP practice and felt taken less seriously

Getty Images

Survey reveals alarming rates of ethnic discrimination in NHS primary care

A recent survey by the NHS Race and Health Observatory has highlighted a worrying lack of trust in NHS primary care services among Black, Asian, and ethnic minority patients, who reported experiencing “racial or ethnic discrimination.”

Out of 2,680 survey respondents, only 55% reported trusting primary care providers to meet their health needs most or all of the time

Keep ReadingShow less
Swizzels’ Easter range, including Squashies Drumchick and Sweet Shop Favourite tubs

PDA members will get the chance to vote from this week

Pic credit: iStock

PDA to inform its members to vote “no” in Royal College of Pharmacy proposals

A vote to create a potential Royal College of Pharmacy needs to be called off as the current proposals would lead to “irreversible change to the identity and purpose” of the sector’s professional leadership body, according to the Pharmacy Defence Association (PDA).

From March 13th to March 24th, The Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s members will take part in a Special Resolution Vote (SRV) which seeks to amend the Society’s Royal Charter to facilitate its transition to a Royal College and registered charity.

Keep ReadingShow less
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