I regularly work as a locum pharmacist, usually in one of five secure establishments in the North East. On a number of occasions over recent years, the contract to supply healthcare services to these establishments has gone “out to tender” with a local PCT usually winning the contract.
This time, the contract has been awarded to a provider from outside the NHS and there is a lot of uncertainty for the staff with many looking for new positions elsewhere in the NHS. As a private provider of services to the NHS, I’m all in favour of private companies supporting the NHS but I can understand the pharmacy team’s concern. As they say better the devil you know
I have worked with the company concerned (not mentioning names at present as I believe an appeal is in progress) and I’m sure the staff will be fine – we recruited both locum pharmacists and a new permanent pharmacy manager for them in a different location, and all spoke highly of the company.
So, if you are in this position, don’t worry too much. Find out about the company and their plans for you establishment and just think, if you are like most NHS employees you will moan about your bosses most of the time, the new guys and gals might be better to work for!!!
Shaun
- only because Boots are paying this years subscription. I will review my membership as and when Boots no longer pay the fee for me based on what the Society do for me
- I don´t think is value for money.
- I have to be a member of General Council and NPA and that is quite enough subscriptions.
- I will join this year and during the year I will make a judgement on the RPS being the voice of Pharmacists rather than the voice of cooperate Pharmacy.The RPS must promote the role of the Pharmacist and therefore the safety of the patient so the concept of the responsible Pharmacist must be examined as per conditions at the “coal face” of daily practice.The movement towards remote supervision must be resisted the strength of the Pharmacist/Patient relationship depends on face to face contact
- I shall be retiring from Pharmacy by the end of the year and see no advantage in being a part of this organisation which has hounded pharmacists and done nothing to support them in the 30 years I have been on the register.
- There are 2 of us registered at the one address so one of us will register and then see if it is worth renewing after that.
- I value the idea of belonging to a professional body which distinguishes me from another person who is not trained as a pharmacist.I find the Pharmaceutical Journal very informative and a way of networking with other colleagues in my profession.
- Sounds like an organisation for employers and employees whose subscriptions are paid for them. Will miss the PJ, though. Discussed this with 6 other locums to date – only 1 is renewing subscription.
- The Society need to be given the opportunity to represent us effectively.
- Might as well carry on with PJ and access to Law Dept which I am used to.
As a locum, I do not receive the mailings etc about what is going on, so more important to be kept in touch via PJ.
- mainly because not sure why not to, keeping to what i know is main reason and will assess position next year when get an idea of the numbers and opinions.
- They’ve been so utterly crap in the past, the new incarnation hopefully can’t (!) be any worse, so I’ll give them a year and review it after that.
- probably however if they don’t organise some local branch meetings before then i might not.
- Renewing for silly reason really…During this year I will be celebrating 50 years as a member..Can’t finish on just 49!!
- Not sure why really, like a comfort blanket I guess.
- I have already terminated it…
It looks like the RPS have an uphill battle on their hands as even the more positive comments above are not exactly a ringing endorsement of the would-be professional leadership body!
My hope for 2011 is that it will become remembered as the year our profession started focusing on the individual pharmacist again. Too much time in recent years has been spent focusing on pharmacies, (Control of entry regulations) and the profession of pharmacy ( split of the representative and regulatory function of RPSGB)
During this time we have lost focus on the pharmacists who are working their fingers to the bone dispensing ever increasing numbers of prescriptions without the corresponding increase in reward, either professionally or financially.
So Royal Pharmaceutical Society , make 2011 the year you make a difference for the individual pharmacists who pay their membership fees in the hope that they receive representation to make their working lives more rewarding, or you may find that the number of renewals come March 1st will come as a bit of a shock!
I’m sat at home today but getting a bit restless as I know that once I get in the office tomorrow I’ve go so much to do. My resolution for 2011 is to make PL-UK the number one choice for all aspects of pharmacy recruitment. It’s going to mean improving the service we provide to both locums and clients and investing in our infrastructure but i’m reading, willing and able to do it so….
On your marks, get set, go!
The New Year is traditionally a time when people look at their careers and think ”Do I want to be doing the same thing next Christmas?” If you are considering changing pharmacy jobs or becoming a pharmacy locum, give the PL-UK team a ring, we’d be delighted to help 0333 123 3344
Agency Workers Regulations – how does it effect me?
The simple answer is it doesn’t. …. in most cases. For more expert guidance than I can supply as a pharmacist rather than a legal bod please click on the link below. http://www.pcg.org.uk/cms/documents/01109%20PCG%20A4%2020PP%20BROCHURE%20SINGLE%20PAGES.pdf
One in a lifetime opportunity – pharmacist required in Tonga
We have been approached by a not for profit pharmacy in the Kingdom of Tonga asking us to recruit a pharmacist to work at one of the health centres in the Kingdom. This opportunity will definately not come up again for if you fancy a complete change of scene and an opportunity to live on [...]
Just a quick post to remind all pharmacist that they need to renew their GPhC registration by the 31st October. So you still have a month to pay but if you are anything like me, if you don’t do it now, there’s a chance you’ll forget!
Enter your email address below to receive updates each time we publish new content.
