• Zero tolerance needed to stop verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, racism, sexism and physical attacks
• PHE must change its advice on PPE for dispensary-based staff
• PDA launch equality networks on the 10th anniversary of the Equality Act
• PDA launch COVID-19 Member Feedback Survey
• PDA remind members that they are protected under Assault on Emergency Workers law
• Health and Safety Executive Issue Guidance regarding reporting of COVID-19
• Latest news

Zero tolerance needed to stop verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, racism, sexism and physical attacks

The PDA has called again on all pharmacy employers to immediately adopt a “zero tolerance” approach towards abuse of pharmacists. This should be supported with clear statements to patients and 100% enforcement measures that make the safety of pharmacists and their teams a clear and consistent priority. The PDA has also released a poster emphasising zero tolerance of abuse in pharmacies, which we encourage all members to print and display in their pharmacy. The awareness of this policy is key if patient behaviour is to be influenced.

Download the zero tolerance of abuse in pharmacies poster here.

PHE must change its advice on PPE for dispensary-based staff

Pharmacists want clarity on COVID-19 infection mitigation for dispensary–based staff, however, there has been controversy surrounding recent guidance from NHS and Public Health England regarding which types of PPE should be used in community pharmacy and under what circumstances.

PDA launch equality networks on the 10th anniversary of the Equality Act

The PDA has launched three additional Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Networks for their growing membership. The Ability, BAME and LGBT networks will fit alongside the National Association of Women Pharmacists (NAWP), which became part of the PDA in January. The four networks will significantly advance the organisation’s work on equality.

20/04/20 – PDA call for remembrance of health workers killed by COVID-19

16/04/20 – Personal Protective Equipment – rationale and recommendations for a pragmatic approach

10/04/20 – PDA call on the CCA to support a “zero tolerance” policy on abuse of pharmacists and their teams

09/04/20 – Joint statement between HSE, the TUC and the CB reinforces the PDA’s health and safety message

08/04/20 – Calling all locums to help with the war on the COVID-19 virus

08/04/20 – PDA calls on NHS England to follow the example of NHS Scotland – COVID update 18

07/04/20 – PDA want members to tell us about the levels of abuse in pharmacy

07/04/20 – UK Government issues new guidelines on the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – COVID update 17

06/04/20 – PDA increase action on campaign to end violence in pharmacies

03/04/20 – Changes to how your rate of holiday pay is calculated

03/04/20 – PDA to support pre-regs through these difficult times – COVID update 16

01/04/20 – PDA reminds employers of their health & safety responsibilities – COVID update 15