New independent regulator for pharmacy professions

04 October 2010

Pharmacists now have a new independent regulator similar to the GMC and GDC for doctors and dentists.

Last week saw the official launch of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) which will take over responsibility for UK-wide regulation of pharmacy professions and pharmacy premises from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

The creation of the GPhC as an independent regulator, separate from the leadership bodies of the profession and independent of government, brings the regulation of the pharmacy professions into line with other regulated health professionals.

Speaking at the launch, Chair of the GPhC Council, Bob Nicholls CBE said: "The role Parliament has entrusted us, as an independent regulatory body, is to protect, promote and maintain the health, safety and wellbeing of patients and the public who use pharmaceutical services. Our vision is the provision of proportionate, risk based, efficient and fair regulation of the pharmacy professions and pharmacy premises."

Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive and Registrar added, "As a new body, our first priority is to demonstrate to patients and the public as well as the pharmacy professions that we are delivering effective regulation. This will mean delivering efficient and effective services, being open and transparent, as well as demonstrating that we are genuinely focussed on upholding standards, supporting good practice and only taking action where a registrant’s fitness to practise is in doubt."