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PHE must change its advice on PPE for dispensary-based staff
Fri 17th April 2020
Given the evidence that anyone (including staff members) can be pre-symptomatic and spread coronavirus, a fact recognised by the UK government, the PDA is concerned about the way in which this advice is being provided.
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Personal Protective Equipment – rationale and recommendations for a pragmatic approach
Thu 16th April 2020
Guidance is available from many sources, some of this is conflicting and inconsistent. Having studied guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO)[i], UK Government[ii], Public Health England (PHE)[iii] The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)[iv] and spoken with colleagues in Europe, the resulting PDA synopsis provides a pragmatic approach to the use of PPE and other measures aimed at optimizing safety for patients, customers and staff.
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PDA remind members that they are protected under Assault on Emergency Workers law
Wed 15th April 2020
Following the PDA’s lobbying campaign to protect pharmacists from violence, back in 2017, the draft bill to protect NHS workers from assault was extended to also include pharmacists working in community pharmacy.
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Health and Safety Executive Issue Guidance regarding reporting of COVID-19 – COVID update 19
Tue 14th April 2020
The Health and Safety Executive, the tripartite body that includes representatives of employers and trade unions, has issued new guidance setting out what events relating to COVID-19 must be reported under RIDDOR.
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PDA say zero tolerance needed to stop verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, racism, sexism and physical attacks.
Tue 14th April 2020
A survey of pharmacists, previously reported by ITV News, has now concluded and reveals the reasons why the PDA believe the whole sector should adopt a zero tolerance approach to abuse of pharmacists.
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PDA call on the CCA to support a “zero tolerance” policy on abuse of pharmacists and their teams.
Fri 10th April 2020
The PDA has called on the Company Chemists Association (CCA) to ask its members to immediately adopt a “zero tolerance” approach to abuse that puts the safety of pharmacists and their teams before profit that can be made from an abusive member of the public
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Joint statement between HSE, the TUC and the CBI reinforces the PDA’s health and safety message
Thu 9th April 2020
A joint statement between the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), the TUC and the CBI was recently released to clarify their joint position on safety at work. This statement was released just two days after the PDA issued an article reminding employers of their health & safety responsibilities.
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Calling all locums to help with the war on the COVID-19 virus
Wed 8th April 2020
NHS organisations around the UK, tell us that as the fight against the COVID-19 virus intensifies, the healthcare workforce will have to become even more adaptable.
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PDA warn employers against attempting bank holiday “Wage Theft” – POST UPDATED
Wed 8th April 2020
The PDA Union is warning pharmacy employers that they could face legal action if they attempt “wage theft” from pharmacists.
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PDA calls on NHS England to follow the example of NHS Scotland – COVID update 18
Tue 7th April 2020
Whilst the highly supportive Scottish Government measures to support community pharmacists in Scotland were announced on Tuesday 7th April, pharmacists in England are asked to join the fight on COVID-19 with woefully inadequate resources according to the PDA.