At the event, PDA Reps shared their tips on using PDA resources in the workplace to raise awareness and bring about change. The reps gave examples of the different factsheets and guides they had used in their workplace, such as the ‘It’s Time to Address Stress’ factsheet and the PDA redundancy guide.
Nav Bhogal, PDA National Rep in Boots talked about the PDA rest breaks guidance, which emphasises the important element of maintaining a safe environment for patients as well as helping to protect the health and wellbeing of workers. He said, “I gained vital support from the PDA to challenge outdated rest break policies in Boots. We crafted new guidance, equipping pharmacists with the knowledge and tools to assert their legal and professional rights, empowering them to challenge poor workplace practices with confidence.”
Jyoti Saini, PDA Rep in an ICB, explained how she had communicated with PDA members working in PCNs to support their wellbeing, highlighting the PDA stress factsheet, which is a comprehensive guide on how members can identify through signs and symptoms if they or their colleagues are stressed and where they may go to access support. She said, “Each rep had different ideas, and sharing these helped us all to think differently and identify ways in which we can further support others as well as ourselves. I would encourage all reps to attend such events in the future, as it was informal and relaxed, and a good way to network with reps around the country.”
Other resources showcased at the event were the PDA’s re-banding and job evaluation guide and the PDA’s Anti-Racist Toolkit.
Gordon Finlayson, PDA National Rep in Boots said, “Information is not all about factsheets and guides. One of the best sources of information is the people at the PDA. I have utilised their skills and knowledge many times. It is so important to reach out to others, and being part of the reps’ network helps me to do this and learn from colleagues.”
PDA Reps are vital to the work of the PDA Union. PDA members who are interested in getting involved and making a difference in the workplace, with employers, and in the pharmacy sector, are encouraged to get in touch with the PDA today by emailing organising@pda-union.org.
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Learn more
- PDA resources
- PDA urges pharmacists to stay safe and take adequate rest breaks
- It’s Time to Address Stress
- PDA event on NHS re-banding: NHS hospital pharmacists come together to talk about ways to improve pay
- PDA BAME Network launches Anti-racist Pharmacy Toolkit
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If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists, and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.