The GPhC has taken enforcement action against six pharmacies stopping them from selling or supplying codeine linctus preparations without a prescription. 

Plans to incorporate an independent prescribing qualification into initial training will not be put into action “for the foreseeable future".

Case follows another in July where extension to suspension order was not granted.

GPhC chief executive Duncan Rudkin said it will tell pharmacy employers to report occupational Covid-19 infections.

Individuals training to become pharmacists should undergo a two-year foundation programme after completing their MPharm, school leaders say.

The GPhC is suddenly in the spotlight. After displaying flexibility and responsiveness with many of its actions during the Covid crisis, it now finds itself facing difficult questions on several fronts. 

Community pharmacy employers have reported a total of six instances of exposure to coronavirus in the workplace.

The PDA writes to the GPhC to ask if it will investigate why no pharmacy employer has reported occupational Covid infections.

A coronavirus antibody test is currently undergoing ‘ease of use trials’ to determine whether it can be used by the general public.

It is “legitimate and appropriate” for the GPhC to take action over 'retail issues' chief executive Duncan Rudkin has claimed.

The pre-registration year for trainee pharmacists could be scrapped and replaced with a ‘one-year foundation programme’ as early as next summer.

The GPhC is to increase its premises renewal fees by £103 from next April, despite two-thirds of consultation respondents opposing the plans. 

Pharmacists are being urged not to offer Covid-19 antibody tests out of fears that individuals who test positive may assume they are immune.

The GPhC saw its income increase slightly over the last 12 months according to its latest financial report.

The GPhC says protected characteristics will stay in papers handed to its investigating committee if they provide “essential” context.

The GPhC will trial a system aimed at ensuring its regulation is fair and unhindered by unconscious bias.

The GPhC is prepared to investigate employers who fail to carry out covid-19 risk assessments, chief executive Duncan Rudkin has said.

The High Court has refused an application to extend a suspension order against two pharmacists accused of illegally supplying controlled drugs.

The PDA says it is still concerned the GPhC does not have “adequate powers” to regulate pharmacy owners.

Anyone with a renewal deadline between September 1 and December 31 this year will only be required to submit a reflective account.