About General pharmaceutical council
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is a regulatory body that oversees the practice of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy premises in Great Britain. Established in 2010, the GPhC is an independent organization that ensures the safety and quality of pharmaceutical services provided to patients across the country.
The GPhC's primary objective is to protect public health by setting standards for education, training, and practice within the pharmacy profession. The council works closely with other healthcare organizations to ensure that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide safe and effective care.
One of the key responsibilities of the GPhC is to maintain a register of all qualified pharmacists and pharmacy technicians practicing in Great Britain. This register serves as a valuable resource for patients who want to verify whether their pharmacist or technician is qualified to provide pharmaceutical services.
In addition to maintaining a register, the GPhC also conducts inspections of pharmacies across Great Britain. These inspections are designed to ensure that pharmacies meet certain standards related to safety, cleanliness, record-keeping practices, staff training, and more. By conducting these inspections regularly, the council can identify areas where improvements need to be made so that patients receive high-quality care.
Another important function of the GPhC is investigating complaints against pharmacists or pharmacy technicians who may have breached professional standards or acted unethically. The council has powers under its legislation which allows it take action against individuals who fail meet its standards including removing them from its register if necessary.
The General Pharmaceutical Council also plays an important role in shaping policy related to pharmaceuticals at both national level through engagement with government departments such as Department for Health & Social Care (DHSC), NHS England & Improvement (NHSE&I) etc., as well as international level through engagement with organisations such as World Health Organisation (WHO).
Overall, The General Pharmaceutical Council plays an essential role in ensuring patient safety by regulating the pharmacy profession in Great Britain. Its work is critical to maintaining high standards of care and ensuring that patients receive the best possible pharmaceutical services.