During the pandemic many pharmacy teams have reported an increase in abuse, violence and aggression from some members of the public.
RPS has consistently highlighted abuse as intolerable and condemns it in the strongest terms. We’ve also drawn it to the attention of the National Police Chiefs Council to help ensure a zero-tolerance approach to abuse to help keep pharmacy teams safe.
We welcome the statement from the GPhC clarifying their view of abuse and violence against pharmacy staff in every setting as ‘completely unacceptable’.
RPS President Professor Claire Anderson said:
“No one should experience abuse or violence in the course of their working day.
“Pharmacy teams are an important and valued part of the healthcare workforce and have a right to be treated with respect at all times. They must be able to carry out their vital work such as providing life-saving vaccinations, medicines and advice, without feeling threatened or in danger whilst at work.
“Violence and abuse against hard working pharmacy teams is deplorable and I urge those affected to report it to the police, so they have the necessary information to build up a picture of what’s happening in local areas. We will continue to raise this topic with the NHS, government, patient groups, the police and across the profession, so that pharmacists and their teams can look after patients safely.”