The report, which was laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly on 17th September, reflects on the first complete year of activity under the new Council and sets out its achievements in the last year and aspirations for 2014/15. You can read the annual report here
Highlights from the annual report 2013-14 include:
- The introduction of mandatory CPD has been implemented with few problems and positive engagement of the profession with the process. Early indications show that the outcomes are positive. The results for CPD year 2013/2014 will be published in next year’s annual report (2015).
- Progress to date on the actions identified in our response to Francis and other related reports which has included the commencement of a fundamental review of the Code of Ethics, a review of the complaints process and publication of our fitness to practise learnings.
- Our approach to stakeholder engagement in the development of standards and guidance has been to involve and listen to the patient’s voice at the initial stages of policy development, and in 2013-14 this has informed all our work.
- In June 2014 we published Guidance to support the introduction of the new statutory requirement to hold appropriate indemnity cover, following a public consultation which closed on 2 April 2014. This Guidance outlines registrants’ requirements and responsibilities with regards to having appropriate professional indemnity cover as a condition of their registration with the Pharmaceutical Society NI.
The report also outlines our plans for the incoming year (2014-15) which include:
- Engaging further with stakeholders on the review of the Code of Ethics and the production of a revised draft Code which will be consulted upon in early 2015.
- Continuing to work and develop a plan for the introduction of a Continuing Fitness to Practise model to ensure the safe and effective practise of pharmacy in Northern Ireland.
- Reviewing our ‘Guidance on Raising Concerns’ (2013) in which we will engage with registrants and other stakeholders to ensure that the Guidance is useful and explore how it can be improved, with the aim of ensuring that all barriers around raising concerns are addressed.
ENDS
For further information please contact Mark Neale or Gráinne Magee at the Pharmaceutical Society NI on 028 9026 7933 or mark.neale@psni.org.uk or grainne.magee@psni.org.uk
Notes for editors:
- The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland is the regulatory body for pharmacists in Northern Ireland. Our primary purpose is to protect the public by ensuring that practicing pharmacists in Northern Ireland are fit to practise, keep their skills and knowledge up to date and deliver high quality safe care to patients.
- The Pharmaceutical Society NI is required in legislation to produce an Annual Report which is laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly. The 2013-14 Annual Report was laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly on 17 September 2014.
- For further information and/or to request a hard copy of the Annual report or in alternative formats please contact Mark Neale 028 9032 6927 or email mark.neale@psni.org.uk