A national plan outlining how the pharmacy sector can work together to embed inclusive practice into patient care has been published by NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE&I), the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and the Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK (APTUK).

The three bodies are urging pharmacy professionals in England to join efforts to deliver the plan, which aims to draw on the benefits of diversity to offer better healthcare provision. In recognition of the disproportionate impact that COVID-19 has had on healthcare staff and communities from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, the plan focusses on addressing vaccine hesitancy and reducing health inequalities.

PSNC, as part of an advisory group of pharmacy partners, has collaborated with the RPS and APTUK on this plan, which builds on a joint Statement of Principles published on World Pharmacists’ Day 2020. This group will continue to work together to put the joint plan into action, keeping its development under review at subsequent meetings.

Read the Joint Plan for Inclusive Pharmacy Practice in England

A ‘menu’ of accredited training and resources will be developed over time, with help to support implementation available via the new Inclusive Pharmacy Practice – FutureNHS Collaboration Platform.

James Wood, Director of LPC and Contractor Support, said:

“Collectively with the other community pharmacy bodies, PSNC is proud to support efforts to embed inclusive pharmacy practice as outlined in the new joint plan. We are committed to continuing to work closely with the NHS and our fellow national pharmacy representatives to help community pharmacy to remain a sector that is accessible for everyone.

The plan provides opportunities to exchange learning and examples of best practice. Contractors and the pharmacy professionals in their teams may want to sign up to the dedicated collaboration space on FutureNHS, to keep in touch with the national work.”

Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Blog

Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Dr Keith Ridge has posted a blog setting out how inclusive pharmacy practice will help the sector to both appreciate and harness the benefits of diversity.

Blog: Inclusive pharmacy practice