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The Council of Pharmaceutical Society NI acknowledged the contribution of pharmacy technicians in Northern Ireland on 'Pharmacy Technician Day' celebrated on 18 October. The society said: "Today we mark Pharmacy Technician Day and wish to acknowledge the significant contribution Pharmacy Technicians and support staff make, as an integral part of the pharmacy team, to patient wellbeing and care in Northern Ireland." In June, Health Minister Robin Swann announced that he has approved work to begin to bring Pharmacy Technicians in Northern Ireland under statutory regulation by the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland. The public consultation was launched in March 2022 on a proposal to introduce statutory regulation of the Pharmacy Technician workforce in Northern Ireland.

Today I'm proud to share with you the statement we submitted to the UK Commission on Pharmacy Professional Leadership in which we set out what professional leadership means to RPS. I recognise we haven't always been clear in communicating our ideas to members and our external stakeholders. Through the Commission, and our own Independent Review of member participation and communications, we are determined to remedy this. We're committed to lead pharmacy in the best interest of patients and the professions. This means that sometimes we will need to take difficult decisions. We will do the right thing for the long term, ultimately driving what's best for patient care. There are some key changes we believe are necessary to fulfil the profession's ambitions. To achieve a more unified approach to pharmacy leadership, we believe both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians should be represented by RPS within professional faculties that capitalise on the strengths of each discipline whilst retaining distinct professional voices. Many of our members work with pharmacy technicians every day and know just how essential they are to their role and to patient care. We feel the same at RPS and it makes perfect sense to evolve into an organisation where both professions can advance their scope of practice, working in alignment as part of the wider multi-professional team. We will develop and implement post-registration curricula and credentialing for all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians working with patients and the public. To do this we will require formal delegation of authority by the GPhC.

The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has urged its member - employed pharmacists and locum pharmacists to share their view on UK Commission on Pharmacy Professional Leadership report. The four government Chief Pharmacists have published their commission's proposal for how pharmacy leadership may develop in the UK. The association 'strongly' believes that just as it was the members of the profession that established their previous pharmacist professional leadership bodies, so it is for pharmacists to determine if they agree with these proposals and to decide what arrangements they want in future. "As an organisation that has exclusively in its membership the employed and locum pharmacists in the UK, the PDA wants to ensure that it can reflect the views of frontline pharmacists in any future discussions and decisions that could impact upon their careers. Pharmacists are encouraged to read the report, to consider its content and then ensure they respond to the forthcoming communication from the PDA." The commission report says that existing leadership bodies have "relatively low levels of membership" but does not provide details. It has also stated that it has received submissions to its consultation from many pharmacy organisations.

Pharmaceutical recalls are complicated and expensive, just like in any other business. Pharmaceutical recalls, however, pose a further risk because they might change both short- and long-term health effects. To ensure smooth recalls with few negative effects on public health, it is crucial to understand the pharmaceutical product recall procedure and the roles of each key player. Throughout the recall procedure, patient safety is crucially ensured by the FDA, pharmaceutical companies, pharmacy technicians, and other healthcare professionals. Learning about pharma recalls, procedures, and responsibilities is essential for guaranteeing patient safety for key actors like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), manufacturers, and other medical specialists. RECALL CLASSIFICATIONS Recalls can fall into one of three categories-class I, II, or III-with class I being the most serious and lethal. Products that have the potential to result in serious, permanent complications or death are subject to Class I recalls. Class II recalls are recommended for product flaws that have a low likelihood of harmful events or that can result in reversible side effects. Last but not least, class III recalls typically arise from problems with packaging that do not pose a risk. Since they are frequently issued out of an abundance of prudence rather than due to any negative impacts, many people may even describe this kind of recall as benign.

Are you looking to start a career in the medical field but don't know where to begin? There are many different paths to choose from when it comes to entering the medical profession. It can be daunting trying to figure out which one is right for you. But with some research, planning, and dedication, you can find your way into this rewarding and fulfilling industry. Here are 8 tips that will help get you started on your journey toward becoming a successful healthcare professional. 1. ONLINE PROGRAMS If you have already decided on a career path and need to obtain additional qualifications or knowledge, there are many online programs available for medical professionals. These courses provide students with the opportunity to learn from home and gain experience in their chosen field without sacrificing the quality of education. You can find an online medical assistant programs, medical biller and coding programs, lab technician training, and more. It's important to research each program and make sure it's accredited before enrolling. While online programs may not offer the same hands-on experience as a traditional school, they can be an affordable and convenient way to get your foot in the door. 2. VOLUNTEERING OR WORKING IN A CLINICAL SETTING Volunteering or working part-time in a clinical setting is an excellent way to gain experience and decide if the medicine is the right profession for you. Even volunteer work can provide invaluable insight into how the medical field works, allowing you to network with professionals, observe procedures and treatment methods, and develop skills from patient interaction. Additionally, any volunteer work or job experience related to healthcare that appears on your resume establishes you as a serious candidate for a career in medicine. While you are likely to find many volunteer opportunities, be sure to do your research and only take positions in reputable organizations.