1. Patients are supported in their decision-making about medicines
2. Patients are treated with dignity and respect by pharmacy staff
3. The pharmacy team respect privacy and confidentiality and are empathic to patient sensitivities
4. The views of patients and carers are actively sought in the development and delivery of pharmacy services
5. Patients have access to high quality information and support in order to make informed choices about the use of medicines in a manner they can easily understand
6. Pharmacists support the provision of clear, understandable information about medicines throughout the organisation
7. Patients can ask to discuss their medicines with a pharmacist.

Safe and effective use of medicines and medicines expertise

8. Medicines recommended are chosen to maximise safety, effectiveness and adherence to treatment
9. The pharmacy team provides expertise and advice to support the safe and effective use of medicines by patients
10. The pharmacy team are aware when referral to the pharmacist or other healthcare professional is necessary
11. Pharmacists are readily accessible to provide advice for other pharmacy staff and patients
12. Pharmacists support optimisation of treatment with their expertise in medicines
13. Pharmacy medicines must not be accessible to the public by self-selection.

Workforce

14. The pharmacy team have the right skill mix and the capability and capacity to develop and provide quality services to patients
15. Induction and ongoing learning and development are provided for all members of the pharmacy team
16. The pharmacy workforce is planned and appropriately resourced in order to support service quality, productivity and safety.

Frequently asked questions

Why has RPS produced this interim statement?

Members have asked for professional guidance to support the supply of OTC medicines following the transfer of regulatory powers from the RPSGB to GPhC in 2010. This interim statement provides additional context to GPhC regulatory standards for registered pharmacies in the supply of OTC medicines.

How has this interim statement been created?

The RPS published Hospital standards in July 2012 following a robust developmental process. This interim statement used those standards which were relevant to the supply of OTC medicines and were combined with previous RPSGB professional standards and guidance on sale and supply of medicines that were aligned to current RPS policy.

Why is this statement interim?

This statement is interim because we intend to work with stakeholders on the supply of medicines in the future and that work will supersede this interim statement.