Navigating the new GPhC standards for Chief Pharmacists: how Ashtons can help your healthcare organisation stay compliant

What are the new GPhC standards for chief pharmacists?

The GPhC’s new standards focus on the professional responsibilities of Chief Pharmacists in healthcare settings, particularly hospitals and similar institutions. They are designed to ensure that Chief Pharmacists have the skills, experience, and oversight necessary to deliver safe, effective, and high-quality pharmacy services.

Here are the key areas covered by the new standards:

1. Leadership
Chief Pharmacists are expected to provide strategic and professional leadership within their organisations. This involves setting clear expectations and working collaboratively with healthcare teams to improve pharmacy services.

2. Workforce development

A Chief Pharmacist must ensure that their pharmacy team is equipped with the right skills and knowledge. This includes identifying training gaps, providing professional development, and fostering an environment of continuous improvement.

3. Accountability and delegation
The role requires effective delegation, with clear lines of accountability to ensure that every team member understands their responsibilities and can perform their duties confidently.

4. Governance
To maintain safe and effective pharmacy services, Chief Pharmacists must oversee governance frameworks and ensure that all policies, procedures, and practices meet high standards of safety and compliance.

How Ashtons can support your organisation with Chief Pharmacist services

At Ashtons, we understand the importance of meeting regulatory and best practice standards and providing the best possible care for patients. Having access to support regarding all aspects of medicine management is essential for all healthcare providers.

Our Chief Pharmacist roles and services include:

Compliance checks
Reviewing your pharmacy practices to ensure compliance with medicine management requirements of the relevant regulator (e.g. CQC, HIS or HIW).

Clinical governance
Providing clinical governance support for your organisation, improving overall pharmacy service delivery and patient safety.

Medicines management policies review
Regularly reviewing and updating your medicines management policies to ensure safety, compliance, and best practice.

Review of Patient Group Directions (PGDs)
Where applicable, developing PGDs ensuring that your PGDs are up-to-date and comply with regulations.

Maintaining best practice and professional standards in medicines management is crucial to the delivery of high quality and safe patient care. By working with Ashtons, you gain access to a wealth of expertise and support that can help you maintain the very best standards of patient care.

Get in touch today

The healthcare landscape is evolving, and with these new GPhC standards, there are clear opportunities to enhance safety, improve governance, and create a culture of learning from mistakes. By partnering with Ashtons, you can ensure your organisation is not only compliant but also leading the way in delivering safe, effective services.

Contact us today to find out how our Chief Pharmacist service can support your team in delivering exceptional patient care.