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Protecting patient confidentiality: a professional reminder on accessing records
The PDA is issuing pharmacists a timely reminder of the professional obligations when accessing patient records, and the very real regulatory consequences where those obligations are breached.
The PDA has observed a continued pattern in regulatory proceedings where some pharmacists face serious Fitness to Practise action arising from inappropriate access to patient records.
In response, the PDA has published new guidance which reinforces a key professional standard: patient records must only be accessed where there is a clear, legitimate and documented reason linked to care or another lawful function. |
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The England Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey – what does the data tell us?
The PDA shares new analysis of the latest England Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey 2025 (CPWS) and places it in the wider context of the current and future pharmacy workforce in England.
In April 2026, (prior to the CPWS release), the PDA published a report on the total system capacity for England’s pharmacies which looked at the first two full years of Pharmacy First data and consolidated this with wider dispensing, services and workforce datasets.
In response to this PDA report, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said that future service provision ‘would be informed by the 2025 Community Pharmacy Workforce Survey’. The survey results were published on 18 May 2026. |
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PDA members unite at national meeting to address the NHS reorganisation impact
Over 120 members recently attended a national PDA member meeting for pharmacists working within Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and Commissioning Support Units (CSUs). Members were updated on the PDA’s ongoing work to ensure members’ views are raised and challenge bad practice. They were also given the opportunity to share their concerns amid ongoing organisational restructuring.
Members remaining in ICBs and CSUs shared experiences of the impact of workforce reductions, including increased workloads and concerns about service continuity for those remaining in post. These emerging issues will continue to inform the PDA’s work as it engages with employers and advocates for fair treatment and safe working conditions. Employers have a duty of care for the health, safety, and wellbeing of their staff. The PDA will remind executive leads of the necessity of reassessing workloads following significant staffing cuts. |
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Act now: Help secure the Good Jobs Bill for workers in NI
The proposed Good Jobs Bill is being blocked at the Northern Ireland (NI) Executive. If it is not released by the Executive meeting this week, there may be insufficient time for the Bill to complete the democratic legislative process before the current Assembly term ends.
Learn more |
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PDA joins global pharmacy advocacy at the World Health Assembly in Geneva
For the fourth year running, the PDA has taken the voice of frontline UK pharmacists to the World Health Assembly in Geneva. The PDA joined the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) delegation to ensure that UK pharmacists are represented where major health policy decisions are shaped.
Learn more |
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PDA NAWP Network invites nominations for upcoming 2026 elections
We’re inviting passionate and committed members of the PDA National Association of Women Pharmacists (NAWP) Network to put themselves forward for the PDA NAWP Network’s 2026 elections.
Learn more |
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Boost your skills with free PDA Education training and support
Below is a selection of our upcoming FREE training sessions and events, available exclusively to PDA members. The full list of events currently available can be found on the events section of our website. We recommend checking the website regularly, as new events will continue to be added.
Introduction to being a PDA Rep
1 pm to 2.30 pm, Tuesday 7 July 2026
This online interactive workshop is for all PDA Representatives who have completed the online induction. It is designed to follow the self-directed reps induction programme and gives you the opportunity to meet other new reps. You will gain more of an understanding of the role and the rights of a trade union rep. You will also learn the importance of workplace policies and procedures.
Register today |
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| Employment Rights
6.30 pm to 8 pm, Tuesday 7 July 2026
This interactive workshop is exclusive to PDA Trainee Pharmacist members and will include group discussions and activities. Understanding your rights as a trainee pharmacist is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive work environment. This session will cover the key employment rights every trainee pharmacist should know.
Register today |
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| Building Your Professional Identity Through Action Planning and Coaching
6.30 pm to 8 pm, Wednesday 15 July 2026
Professional identity is shaped continually throughout a pharmacist’s career, influenced by values, experiences, workplace culture and evolving expectations of the profession. This workshop introduces a coaching‑based approach to help pharmacists develop their professional identity. Through reflective practice, action planning and portfolio‑building techniques, participants will explore how who they are as professionals informs what they do.
Register today |
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| Emerging Leaders Programme
Saturday 1 August to Thursday 31 December 2026
The PDA Emerging Leaders Programme is designed for pharmacy students, trainees, and early-career pharmacists who are beginning to explore their leadership potential. This structured four-month programme combines self-directed learning with live online sessions, helping you to develop your leadership style, build confidence, and gain practical skills to support your professional growth.
Register today |
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| Developing your assertiveness
7 pm to 8.30 pm, Tuesday 4 August 2026
This interactive online workshop, with facilitated discussion, breakout activities, and practical communication exercises, is exclusive to PDA locum members to help them develop their skills and confidence when it comes to being assertive.
Register today |
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| Working Safely as a Locum Pharmacist
7 pm to 8.30 pm, Tuesday 11 August 2026
Locum pharmacists often work across multiple settings with varying levels of support, creating unique challenges in maintaining their health, safety, and professional wellbeing. The session will encourage participants to reflect on their own experiences while developing practical tools and shared approaches to safer working.
Register today |
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| Neurodiversity at work
6.30 pm to 8 pm, Tuesday 18 August 2026
This online interactive workshop is designed to introduce neurodiversity and what it means to be neurodivergent. The workshop will explore the barriers that exist in the workplace that prevent full participation at work, the role of the employer in supporting neurodivergent workers, and the actions that PDA members can take to support neurodivergent workers.
Register today |
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| More to explore…
Continue your development journey with a range of upcoming opportunities designed to help PDA members to grow, adapt, and succeed in their careers. Click any of the events below for more information and to secure your FREE place.
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Join Pharmacist Support: Trustee and Ambassador roles now open
Pharmacist Support, the PDA’s charity partner and the profession’s independent charity, is currently recruiting new Trustees and Charity Ambassadors.
Volunteers play a vital role in helping Pharmacist Support champion wellbeing across the pharmacy profession, from supporting governance and strategic direction to raising awareness, fundraising and engagement across the sector.
The charity is keen to hear from people from a wide range of backgrounds, career stages and areas of pharmacy practice across Great Britain. Applications are also welcomed from lay trustee applicants who can bring valuable skills and perspectives from outside the profession.
Find out more about the opportunities by clicking below:
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Don’t miss out on exclusive savings with PDA Plus
As a PDA member, you can take advantage of a range of exclusive PDA Plus offers tailored to you. Enjoy access to valuable discounts and benefits designed to make everyday life easier, support your ambitions, and help you feel at your very best.
Unlock up to 35% off your first Ocado order, along with additional perks designed to make your weekly shop more convenient and cost-effective. This offer includes:
- 25% off when you spend £60+ using code voue25651
- 35% off when you spend £90+, plus 3 months free delivery, using code ocadoaff35
- Access to a wide range of groceries, including the full M&S Food collection, exclusively available through Ocado
Whether you’re stocking up on essentials or planning your next big shop, this offer helps you save more while enjoying quality products delivered at a time that suits you, with convenient 1-hour delivery slots available.
To take advantage of this offer and other fantastic deals, log in to your PDA Plus account and visit the special offers page. |
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