Why have 17,000 Pharmacists joined the PDA?

We believe it's because, right from the start, the Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has set out to defend the rights of individual pharmacists.

There's strength in numbers...

In times where a small number of large employers and employer organisations dominate community pharmacy, individual pharmacists are in danger of losing control over the way they practise.

Pharmacists are also joining the PDA because they recognise that they are practising in an ever increasingly regulated and litigious society. Last year we assisted members in more than 1200 incidents, half of which were disputes between employers and employees. This represents an astonishing 115% increase over the previous year.

What you get from your membership:

Professional Indemnity and Legal Defence Costs Insurance
Organising conferences and providing risk management information
Taking your side if your employer's actions lead to an error
Supporting locums where employers refuse to pay fees promptly
PDA lobbying Parliament over 'Remote-Supervision'
Instant access to expert advice from experienced pharmacists and lawyers
Lobbying to support hospital pharmacists
Supporting pharmacists in 'Agenda For Change' re-grading appeals
Many more services besides...

If you think that you will never need the support of your own defence association, then now is a good time to think again. Join the growing numbers of pharmacists who understand the importance of defending their professional rights

Don't face problems alone.

Many pharmacists have already realised that carrying their own professional indemnity insurance is a must. Membership of the PDA provides pharmacists with much more than professional indemnity.

Providing experienced pharmacists and lawyers to give advice, or even to accompany members who are facing an RPSGB or employment disciplinary interview, are just some of the many benefits of PDA membership that are highly valued. You will never need to face problems alone as a PDA member.

Since the launch of the PDA, we have advised and supported more than 2,000 pharmacists and have claimed more than £150,000 in compensation from employers who have treated pharmacists illegally. This has resulted in some employers changing employment practices to avoid future problems.

Over 17,000 pharmacists have already taken pro-active steps to defend their reputation. Have you?